robert's 40th birthday southern picnic party

robert's a pretty special guy, so I thought he deserved a pretty special party for his 40th birthday. and I think we definitely accomplished that in a laid-back, southern-sort-of-way. thanks to my incredible parents, with their endless gifts & talents for helping me pull this off (oh, & for owning an awesome party-house). and my sweet sister who used her vacation time to drive six hours just to get here. and to all our friends & family who came (several from other cities & states!) to help shower my "old man" with lots of love & support on the big day. we both feel so blessed to have so many funny, creative, kind & thoughtful people in our lives.

I didn't take pictures of many things that I wish I had- like all the amazing people who came to celebrate with us. but I managed to get a few right as the party started. hope you enjoy.

  {so I made the birthday boy design his own invites. is that so bad?} 

 {I filled lots of little mason jars with wildflowers for decoration} 

{this was a perfect project to practice my sewing skills - 45 cloth napkins} 

{I had a poster printed with all of robert's childhood photos}

{this was my mom's cute spin on the tired (& much-hated by myself) veggie tray. robert made the pimento cheese} 

 {what would a southern party be without two giant pots of boiled p-nuts?} 

{we had mint, sweet tea & lemonade for people to make arnold palmers. refreshing!} 

 {watermelon on sticks}  

 {my mom made the cheese grits & robert cooked the shrimp. I think everyone went back for seconds}  

 {pulled pork sammies, sweet potato chips, cornbread & deviled eggs}  

 {in lieu of birthday cake, I made a bunch of pies (one not pictured). we had parchment, wood fork & baggies to take a slice-to-go} 

  {"ya'll come back" moonpies as favors. yes, I have eaten all the extras by myself}  

  {only one of my corn hole bags busted. can someone teach me how to double-stitch?} 

  {I took this brilliant idea from this woman via pinterest. so easy to set up & tons of fun} 

{my dad set up some bait + poles for people to fish}  

here are a few pics from the surprise "photobooth" that my dad & I set up. we actually didn't get many people it in, but the kids loved it. will post the rest of the pictures later.

{happy birthday, lovah}