Celebrating with a cast of characters

Six in the Mix

Here I am to tell you about yet another recent family celebration. You may remember that I threatened to do this so don’t say you were not warned.

This one also centers around Dagny Clare, who, I would like to point out, is only one of our five grandchildren. She’s the next-to-youngest, the only child of our middle daughter, Audrey.

Here's your sign

The others (children of our eldest daughter, Stephanie, and her husband Joel) are Melanie Noel, our special-needs darling, who is fifteen; Allissa Joy, her sister, who is twelve; and Andrew Joel, their brother, who is eight. They live in North Carolina.

The youngest is Ember Rae, eight months, who lives in East Tennessee and is the daughter of our son Andrew (baby of our family) and his wife, Brittany.

Our Ember :: photo courtesy Brittany Weber

Our Erica (youngest daughter) and her husband Chad have, for the moment, no children.

I got a piece of anonymous (isn’t it always?) hate mail several years ago, accusing me of not caring about my other grandchildren and of writing only about Dagny. 

Poodle Doodle

Which is absurd on its face and patently false.

However, if I publish fewer photos of the North Carolina and Tennessee grands, and more of Dagny, it’s only because Dag is the only one of the five who lives locally. 

These six years have been a blur

We see her several times a week and spend a lot of time together.

Being with the others is possible only once every few months, and our times together are brief, and I admit I don’t always get around to taking a great number of pictures. We’re too busy enjoying one another’s company.

Daughter Stephanie and family

Or if I do get the shots, I don’t always feel like sharing them. Somehow being so few, they seem more private. 

However, three years ago when each of the older grandchildren spent one week of their summer with me, I did do on-purpose location photo shoots and told you all about our weeks.

Lots to smile about

If you're so inclined, you can read about these past occasions here, here, here, and here.

At any rate, we always get together with each of our grandchildren on their birthdays, for a party. I mentioned one such occasion back in February, when grandson Andrew was the honoree.

He turned eight

Historically, for the past several years, we have met at restaurants on the North Carolina/South Carolina state line (Carowinds Exit — basically Charlotte) for many of the kids’ birthday celebrations.

(In fact for my next birthday-centric post, I think I’ll tell you about how it was when we did that for Allissa’s birthday party a few months ago. Most interesting tale. Trust me; you can’t wait.) 

Our Andrew and his girls :: photo courtesy Brittany Weber

We did that a few years ago for Dagny’s party too — met for a meal at Cracker Barrel, in fact; that was the year she got a now long-dead Betta fish from Uncle Andrew and Aunt Brittany — but most years, Dagny’s parties have been held at our house. 

Such was the case this year, when she turned six.

Delighted with developments

Since her birthday is in mid-June (Flag Day, the same day as President Trump’s), the party almost always includes swimming and cooking out. 

This year we didn’t cook out (I cooked in), but my parents came from Greenville, and there was swimming. The children are keen for summer splashing and indeed, the Tar Heel contingent are planning one more swimming visit before school starts in a few weeks.

A pink and purple confection

Many months before the actual date, Audrey and I had chosen a theme: Black and White. It was inspired by some cheap but cute party ware I saw at Dollar Tree.

Plus which, not long ago Erica had bought Dagny a pink poodle skirt, and we decided that the birthday girl would wear that, thus providing the necessary pop of color amid all the blanc noir decorations and outfits.

Happy Birthday Dagny

(The rest of us girls decided to wear black and white, just to be consistent.)

I took several shots of Dagny in my studio, as part of our traditional Official Birthday Photo Shoot.

We're all set

Dagny loves to change clothes several times a day. She only wore the striped top and poodle skirt for a while, before sporting a different outfit.

Several days before the party, TG and I were shopping at Big Lots for patriotic decorations and stuff for the kids to use in the pool.

Our intentions are clear

I spotted a tallish bristly-fluffy flamingo wearing a fedora and sunglasses, and decided that he was a natural to provide the same necessary pop of color on our black and white birthday table scape.

Only, he was twelve dollars and TG was shall we say approaching his limit, so I quickly texted Audrey, who said she’d fund the purchase. So I grabbed it. 

We get our cakes at Publix

It was the last flamingo standing.

And just as I’d envisioned, he was truly perfect for the birthday table. We plan to haul him out for all of the home birthday bashes from now on — no matter what the season. 

It's not a party without balloons

Aunt Stephanie and the Tar Heel cousins were in attendance, and after the meal, gift bags covered one end of the table. 

TG insists that Dagny read every card aloud before she opens the associated gift.

Birthday moments

After all of that was accomplished, there was a last special gift that had to be set up in the front room and kept secret from Dagny until time for the big reveal.

This large item had been kept in Chad and Erica’s storage room and brought over in the bed of their pickup truck, and brought inside my house while others kept Dagny distracted elsewhere.

The best part about this gift is that it was free — at least, to us. A friend of Audrey’s gave it to Dagny because her granddaughters had outgrown it. 

There were cotton candy canisters

We all trooped into the front room, making Dagny wait until last. I have no pictures of this; I was taking video with my phone.

Use your imagination and with your mind’s eye, see Dagny as she realized that her final gift was a Barbie Dream House.

This is a big-deal item with the six-to-twelve set.

Dagny ran to Allissa for a hug of sheer joy, and then they both began inspecting the pink plastic Barbie abode.

Ready for my six-year-old summer

Several times a week, the two of them play together via Face Time. My guess is that the Barbie Dream House will figure largely in their playtime for quite a while.

(The same lady who donated the Barbie Dream House had already given Dagny the Barbie Luxury Camper in Pepto-Bismol pink. For weeks it had been going with Dagny everywhere she went except to church. If we’d let her, she would have taken it there too.)

It's all in the cards

After the hubbub surrounding the Barbie Dream House acquisition had died down, we had our cake and the kids went back outside to swim some more.

The next day was Sunday and Dagny's actual birthday. After church we all went to Cracker Barrel for lunch.

Waiting for our table

I have discovered that there is wonderful light for photos to be had at Cracker Barrel -- both on the front porch, and inside at tables positioned in windows (I always ask for such a table).

It's the generous overhang of the porch that provides just enough cover, with lots of creamy light pouring in on the subject.

The iPhone 11 portrait mode doesn't hurt either. Don't forget to use the studio light setting within portrait mode.

We love being together

These photos were edited very little, if at all.

Mommy and me on my sixth birthday

Once inside, the large windows, with the relative darkness of the restaurant beyond, makes for great photography light too.

For this one of me with Dagny, I edited in portrait mode to get the black background, after the picture had already been taken. Besides that, it's unedited.

Give us a birthday hug

See the difference in the light if your subject is seated with the window behind them? These have to be edited rather heavily and even then, the light is not ideal.

Papaw loves Dagny

But in this case, the shots of Dagny with Papaw are priceless.

What did you say Papaw?

After a delicious meal, we headed back to our house where Dagny changed into the LOL Surprise dress that TG and I had given her as a birthday gift.

Feeling like big six

The clever graphics and multi-layered tulle skirt made this present a real hit. Our Dagny is a miniature clothes horse.

Meanwhile back at their house, Dagny and Audrey have had to practically redesign Dagny's room to fit the Barbie Luxury Camper and Dream House onto the floor, with room left over to walk.

That child has beaucoup toys. It's a challenge.

My future is as bright as my smile

Speaking of challenges, in just a few days it's time to go back to school with new CCP virus rules and restrictions.

I know these kids are up to it, and eager to begin, but I feel for them anyway.

God bless the children, and those who love, care for, and teach them.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Monday :: Happy August

Comments

[Judy]

Such a wonderful time. You put so much effort and love into your parties--just the right touches.
BTW--I could use some more Pimento Cheese Dip. :-)

[Jennifer]

@Judy ... haaaahaha girl if I could safely get some more Pirate Pimento Cheese to you, I would do it! I was thinking about making some the other day, but just haven't got around to it yet. With the exception of the unfortunate pimento cheese shortage, I hope you are well. xoxo

[Mari]

It looks like a marvelous celebration! And that flamingo is just perfect. The Barbie Dream house is a winner for sure. I know this because our girlies were just gifted one by the neighbors and they are beyond thrilled!.
Dagny looks cute in all her outfits and you are right about the lighting.
Ember! She is growing and so stinkin' cute!
PS - We tried to go to Cracker Barrel last week and they aren't allowing dining in yet in our area, so they lost a few customers that night. They appeared to be doing a fine business in the order and pick up department though.
I'm sorry someone is sending you nasty mail! Do they have nothing better to do with their time? Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows you love them all, but it's hard to show photos when they don't live close. In my case, I mention my daughters much more often than my son, because he lives in another state. Doesn't mean I love him less!

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... I know, right? We love them all the same but circumstances dictate mentions. The letter in question was sent years ago. Not a recent thing. I haven't gotten hate mail in a while Haaaha! Perhaps I should be more controversial. SO sorry your CB isn't open for dining yet. We enjoy Cracker Barrel for Sunday lunch. And birthday parties, Haaaha! LOVELY that A & R have a Barbie Dream House! What a time Dagny would have playing with them! The pink plastic palace keeps her busy for hours. Yes that Ember is quite the cutie. I will get to see her on Thursday! xoxo

[Ginny Hartzler]

Before I even read about how Dagny loves to change clothes, I was impressed with her pretty dresses. What a lovely and colorful party. I love the flamingo, I bet Dagny wanted it! The cake is beautiful. Pay no attention to those comments about your posting of your grandchildren. One of the special things abut having a blog is that we should be able to post about anything anytime we want. As long as it is kind. We post pictures of our everyday lives, and if your other grandchildren do not live close, that makes perfect sense. You shouldn't even have to explain.

[Jennifer]

@Ginny ... you are so right! My blog, my say. I don't have to justify what I write about, or when. Some people are just jealous, Haaaha! I thought the cake turned out well too. So festive! And you know how these little girls are about their pink and purple. Thanks for dropping by again. I have enjoyed your blog as well. It's always nice to make new friends. xoxo

[Jeanette]

Looks like a great party for Dagny and a nice surprise of a Barbie Dream House! What a great gift for a 6 year old! All of you grandchildren are beautiful!

[Jennifer]

@Jeanette ... It was what her heart truly wanted, haaahaaha! Can't miss with Barbie paraphernalia. Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

[Jane]

It looks like Dagny had an amazing party, she'll love the Barbie dream house.
Ignore the keyboard warriors, I postly post about my granddaughter because she lives with us on the weekend and I'm not with my other four grandsons. To an outsider, I guess it looks like I favor her but the truth is that she's there and the others aren't.

[Jennifer]

@Jane ... you are so right! And delightful reading it is. I never get the impression that you care only about the one. Thanks for stopping by! xoxo

["Miss Babbling Brook"]

Sorry for this comment being tardy... My computer has a problem, but I finally rectified it. ~smile~

Another tour de force of Photography!

Thank you for linking back to the story of Dagny Claire. Not having been reading here, back then, I was not familiar with it. It warms my heart.

I think I remember you saying, that you thought of Dagny's name. It is so unusual (which is lovely to me!!!!!!! I love unique!!!!) and I wonder if you ever posted, your inspiration for it?

Gentle hugs, on this lovely August day, "in my neck of the woods"

[Jennifer]

@MBB ... Hello my new friend! I'm glad you're having a lovely day. YES I can tell you what inspired Dagny's name! The heroine of the book Atlas Shrugged is named Dagny Taggart. Our daughter Audrey is a fan of Ayn Rand's work (incidentally, last November I was able to visit Ayn Rand's grave at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, Westchester County, New York). Dagny's middle name "Clare" is after Clare Boothe Luce, wife of Henry Luce who founded Time magazine, and a great conservative lady in her own right, who was a playwright (she wrote "The Women") and who served as the US Ambassador to both Italy and Brazil, and served in the US House of Representatives. We have also visited her grave, which is right here in South Carolina, on the grounds of Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner. BTW Dagny is a Norwegian name that means "New Day." We too prize uniqueness! Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by to read. xoxo

[NanaDiana]

People are such idiots to leave anonymous comments about you favoring a child. I had Sweet Cheeks a lot of the time while mom and dad worked so most of my kid's posts were about her. Crazy.
I bet Dagny looks a lot like you did as a child. She is adorable. xo Diana

[Jennifer]

@Diana ... I knew you'd understand! Just because one gets mentioned more has no bearing on the way you feel about all of them! Sweet Cheeks is worth an extra mention anyway. I don't know if Dag looks like me but I agree that she's adorable! Hahahaha xoxo

[Barb]

I can't believe Dagny is 6 already, but Sam will soon be 8! Here is the difference between Dagny and Sam: She LOVES pretty clothing and likes to switch outfits. He would wear the same grungy tee and shorts several days running and would sleep in them,too, if allowed. I love all the photos and seeing your smiling faces. I have the 11pro but rarely use portrait mode. I'll have to give it a try.

[Jennifer]

@Barb ... DO use portrait mode ... on studio lighting. You will be instantly hooked when you see the bokeh. It's a guilty pleasure for me. I understand Sam completely! He's all boy. And all evidence to the contrary, it is still okay to say that. Dagny is all girl but wow she's a force. Must rein her in constantly. I hope Sam has a marvelous school year despite all the nonsense. xoxo