BBQ with friends

I don't really do it that often, and Shanon almost NEVER unwinds with a few drinks, but we decided to have a shin-dig and BBQ for the Fourth of July weekend.  Above is some concoction of vodka, lemonade, and beer dubbed "Summer Beer." It was the life (and when one person in attendance found himself in the neighbors' pool and another was crawling through the doggie door, figuratively, the death) of the party.

We had several friends over for a feast on the back deck, and the weather was just perfect for hanging out in the shaded backyard.

Some people showed off their mad croquet skills in one area. . .

While others tried "bolo," or Mexican Horseshoes in another.  Everybody had a great time.

Here is our friend Becky preparing to teach us the rules of "Chubby Bunny."  Basically, you go around the circle and put a marshmallow in your mouth.  You can't chew it or swallow it, and you have to say "Chubby Bunny."  If you are successful, you are still in and you have to add a marshmallow before you say it again.  The winner is the one who can say "Chubby Bunny" clearly with the most marshmallows in his or her mouth.  Yes, it sounds asinine and juvenile, but that's why people drink.

Dan is watching the competition closely as Bailey tries to stay alive in this round.

Becky is definitely in, but Lena is not sure she is going to make it this round.

Jackie is taking the task as seriously as she can, because just off camera Derek is screaming at her that she'd better not give up or she's not an Aldrich!!

Our friend Eric made it for a while, but I pathetically dropped out from laughter at the three marshmallow mark.

Shanon really gave it her all, but none of us were a match for Ryan, who is disturbingly at ease either winning "Chubby Bunny" (nine marshmallows?? Details are pretty hazy for me. . .) or rolling around in his patrol car as one of Topeka's finest.

Sadly for the girls (who I am sure cared more about maintaining a modicum of decorum than the guys did), there is no "proper" way to do this - just get after it and say "Chubby Bunny"!!

And here is the Master at work.  Without the faintest hint of intimidation or hesitation, Ryan skated into the lead as we all watched on in amazement (or was it amusement?).

Although he was disappointed in Jackie's loss, Derek took heart when he realized that young daughter Devin was already training to show up in the future and regain lost "Chubby Bunny" glory for the Aldrich clan.

From the food to the drinking, the games and the conversation, everyone really enjoyed themselves. It was pretty fun to have most of our friends together at the same time to get outdoors and celebrate, and I hope this is a tradition we will do from year to year.