So much as been said thanking Patrick and me for hosting this year's Annual Get-Together. Now it's my turn to do the thanking.
I would like to just begin by saying that this community that we have, here at the NikonCafe', is very special to me. I have gotten to know so many of you through photography, where I might not otherwise have had the opportunity. I love the sense of family that we have here.
That sense of family is what makes each Annual Get-Together so very special. As has been mentioned in a previous thread, having everyone gather together as we did this past weekend, is much like a family reunion. In fact, many of you will notice that there are quite a few honorary aunts, uncles and even a grandma and grandpa! You all are family to us and we love you so much.
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time out of your busy lives to share some time with us, to let us show you some Southern Hospitality. I hope you enjoyed your time here in Alabama as much as we enjoyed having you here. Not all of you may know this, but I didn't actually grow up in Alabama. I was born here, but my family moved to California when I was very young. We didn't move back here until I was already in High School. I am so grateful that we moved here because I cannot imagine raising my children anywhere else. And, now that I do have a home here with my own family, it's a real pleasure to open it up to you all...our extended family.
Another thank you that I would like to make is to Marilyn (Larry's wife). She was so sweet to arrange a very generous present of gift-cards in honour of the upcoming birth of our 3rd child. Thank you so much to Marilyn and all who made this gift possible. The generosity shown to us by you all is very touching. We will never forget your kindness.
Frank and Marissa, Connie, Grandpa Rich and Grandma Carolyn, Wade...thank you so much for arriving early on Friday night to help out with the last minute details.
Wade, the door prizes were a HUGE hit...thanks for taking the time to arrange that for all of us. Gosh, what fun that was! Also, big thanks to everyone who donated to make the door prizes possible.
Frank and Marissa brought the cannoli's and those who got to sample them, know that they were out of this world!!! Thanks you two!!!!
Sommer, Paul and Melissa...thank you for hosting this year's campfire again! I'm looking forward to more s'mores next year!!!
Mason and Frank...You guys both went above and beyond in helping to make our out of town guests feel at home and welcome. Mason...I'm so thankful for everything you have done and for what a great friend you have become to, not just the NikonCafe', but to myself and Patrick as well.
And to everyone else who was here...thank you for helping to create some wonderful memories.
After dinner Sunday night, I was in absolute tears on the way home. I had so much fun with you the entire weekend, that I was sad to see it end. I look forward to next year and the opportunity to see you all again.
Hugs to everyone and know that I love you all from the bottom of my heart. You guys and gals are the greatest group of friends I could ever know!
Thank you all so much for bringing light, laughter and love to my life.
I would like to just begin by saying that this community that we have, here at the NikonCafe', is very special to me. I have gotten to know so many of you through photography, where I might not otherwise have had the opportunity. I love the sense of family that we have here.
That sense of family is what makes each Annual Get-Together so very special. As has been mentioned in a previous thread, having everyone gather together as we did this past weekend, is much like a family reunion. In fact, many of you will notice that there are quite a few honorary aunts, uncles and even a grandma and grandpa! You all are family to us and we love you so much.
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time out of your busy lives to share some time with us, to let us show you some Southern Hospitality. I hope you enjoyed your time here in Alabama as much as we enjoyed having you here. Not all of you may know this, but I didn't actually grow up in Alabama. I was born here, but my family moved to California when I was very young. We didn't move back here until I was already in High School. I am so grateful that we moved here because I cannot imagine raising my children anywhere else. And, now that I do have a home here with my own family, it's a real pleasure to open it up to you all...our extended family.
Another thank you that I would like to make is to Marilyn (Larry's wife). She was so sweet to arrange a very generous present of gift-cards in honour of the upcoming birth of our 3rd child. Thank you so much to Marilyn and all who made this gift possible. The generosity shown to us by you all is very touching. We will never forget your kindness.
Frank and Marissa, Connie, Grandpa Rich and Grandma Carolyn, Wade...thank you so much for arriving early on Friday night to help out with the last minute details.
Wade, the door prizes were a HUGE hit...thanks for taking the time to arrange that for all of us. Gosh, what fun that was! Also, big thanks to everyone who donated to make the door prizes possible.
Frank and Marissa brought the cannoli's and those who got to sample them, know that they were out of this world!!! Thanks you two!!!!
Sommer, Paul and Melissa...thank you for hosting this year's campfire again! I'm looking forward to more s'mores next year!!!
Mason and Frank...You guys both went above and beyond in helping to make our out of town guests feel at home and welcome. Mason...I'm so thankful for everything you have done and for what a great friend you have become to, not just the NikonCafe', but to myself and Patrick as well.
And to everyone else who was here...thank you for helping to create some wonderful memories.
After dinner Sunday night, I was in absolute tears on the way home. I had so much fun with you the entire weekend, that I was sad to see it end. I look forward to next year and the opportunity to see you all again.
Hugs to everyone and know that I love you all from the bottom of my heart. You guys and gals are the greatest group of friends I could ever know!
Thank you all so much for bringing light, laughter and love to my life.
Seriously, your post is very touching and those feelings are definitely reciprocated. I don't get to see you guys or interact with everyone nearly as much as I'd like. However, I take great pleasure in my online family and am thankful for the blessing of having them. Hugs to you and to the whole family! I'm hoping next year can actually give some room to spend more time with you all.
