Birthday Celebration

Joel was so thankful to have Ashlea, Tyler, and Baillie home for his birthday. . .a rarity during our empty-nest stage of life.  The five of us spent the whole day together, which included several cut-throat games of croquet.  We extended no mercy to the birthday boy, and the birthday boy dished it right back at us - all in good fun!  Tyler and Baillie came to Michigan prepared to cook a special meal for us, and I was amused by Tyler's newly-found "love" of cooking.  They served us bruschetta, grilled steak and corn on the cob, their specialty potatoes,  and fruit pizza for dessert.  And the kids even did the dishes!  I've decided there's hope for them yet!  ;)

Tyler preparing the steaks

Piling on the fruit

Yukon Gold potatoes sliced nearly through, covered in olive oil and salt, and baked until crisp.

Dinner on the patio