Thursday, January 15, 2009

Big Birthday Bash

So, any news on the big birthday bashes for this year? What's the progress on finding a place for dinner when Mom gets home?

42 comments:

Chris said...

Just to refresh everyones failed memory, who was responsible for picking a spot?

Patty Putts said...

Annamarie was! She sent an email out about J Gilberts (actually Mike sent it out and Annamarie responded to it).

Tina and Dave said...

When are you thinking of having the bash?

Patty Putts said...

I don't think we settled on any dates or even what the "bash" would entail. We have more discussing to do to see what people want to do and what we want to pay for. It probably wouldn't happen until late June or early July. John, and Karen - any thoughts on what to do?

Tina and Dave said...

Due to the Hawaii trip, I was hoping you'd schedule it for the fall (early October, perhaps?).

Chris said...

For my "Birthday Bash" I found this great house in Sandwich, MA just on the cape that I want to rent and I checked for April 17-20 (3 nightt, Fri-Mon). I would like to have all of us go and have a great time. What does everyone think? Here's the link to view the house: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p225389

I put an inquiry to another house, haven't heard back yet. Not sure if this one rented in April and on weekend. Will let you know.

Karen

Patty Putts said...

I'd definitely be in for the Cape Cod house rental although I doubt Bill would be able to get the time off. We've got the cruise for a week in February and then the 2 weeks in May for Hawaii. April would be a bad time. It is too bad we couldn't do something in the fall.

Chris said...

That's why I set it up for a Fri-Mon. I figure whoever couldn't get time off from work could go Fri eve, Sat morning and stay at least one night.

Anonymous said...

I like this idea. It can be a "Big Chill" weekend!

Patty Putts said...

I like the "Big Chill" idea too. It's too bad we couldn't do it later in the year so Tina and Dave could come and it would be easier for Bill to get more of the time off. However, the weekend idea is fine too although sometimes Bill has to work on Saturdays. Going out to the Cape on Friday night and returning Sunday night is a good option.

Patty Putts said...

Okay - don't mind me! I don't know why but I was thinking the Cape Cod house rental was for an entire week. The weekend thing definitely sounds better.

Just wondering if this would be an adults only or the kids are included as well?

Rosey said...

Are you kidding, house rental for 10 grand? What happened to the German restaurant place, I thought that was a neat idea. Sure the Cape would be good but I don't see getting everyone together for that. Just a thought.

Chris said...

First of all, this is for a weekend and I am getting the rental, this is my birthday treat to me. If you want to join me you can. I can check and see if we could go later in the year like in October when Tina and Dave are able to make it - if that's what everyone wants.

Karen

Patty Putts said...

I personally like the looks of the Sandwich rental and it would end up costing $2,700 for 3 nights. That's not bad (a LOT less than my birthday treat trip to Hawaii!) and I'd contribute towards it too. Karen, this is your safari so you decide what you want to do. If you pick April then April it is. You go girl!

KathyJohn said...

Well,as a discussion item, we think this is pretty cool. If we can make it, we certainly will help with expenses. As you know, we have a full dance card for May/June, with graduations, weddings, etc. However, if April at the Cape works out for a birthday bash locale, I think we can squeeze it in.

Tina and Dave said...

The house looks lovely, and it would be a blast to join you, but looking at airfares for that weekend, they are outrageous (that isn't Easter weekend, is it?). So, I think Dave and I would have to pass. Sorry...

Tina

Chris said...

I'm checking to see if the house would be available Columbus day weekend in October. I have to have a time when kids have a long weekend. Also, the other house was available in April also. Although I love the Sandwich house, the Falmouth house may be more suitable as far as sleeping arrangements go plus each bedroom has its own bath. I'll have to see if that is available in October. I guess I would really need to know who would definitely be going (kids? I know mine will be there)

Karen

Chris said...

Also, I don't want anybody pitching in for the rental. Like I said, this is my treat to me. Admission is a bottle of champagne p/person.

Me

Patty Putts said...

No, it's not Easter weekend. Keep us posted on whatever you decide. We'll try to make it and Bill even said he could try to get the Friday off. He's still waiting to see if he officially has the February and May time off! I can handle the bottle of champers - maybe even kick in for the GOOD stuff! You're right that the Falmouth house might accommodate better.

Chris said...

Tina, when you were checking airfare, did you check Southwest? I checked and if you came up that Thursday and left Tuesday, if I remember correctly, the fair was I think $89 (morning to Hartford) and $109 each way (afternoon to Orlando).

Karen

KathyJohn said...

Spring or fall: they're both good, but October would be better for us also. If Kupcake is going to spring for the rental, then we can certainly make sure she doesn't pay for anything else that weekend. My gift to myself will be dinner for the Stetsons at a nice restaurant on the Cape, for her birthday... that weekend of course.

Tina and Dave said...

I tried to check Southwest, but they don't fly into Boston, which I think would be closer than going to Hartford. And, since Dave doesn't have a lot of vacation time, I was looking at flying in Friday evening and leaving Sunday afternoon. I did look at Hartford for those days, but the fares were just as bad as Boston. October would be better for us, assuming it doesn't coincide with the IBM conference Dave has been going to (although with his company's cutbacks, they probably won't send him this year).

Thanks.

Tina

Chris said...

Alright, I haven't heard back about October yet, but I will try for that. I really want you guys to be here. Then again, who knows what airline fares will be like in October.

Karen

KathyJohn said...

Not that I wouldn't like everyone there, but it's a shame if we do October instead of your birthday month. Once again, either is fine with us. Work-wise, July and August are not good, because we will be very busy with some stuff then.

Tina and Dave said...

OK. I spoke with Dave, and he would be willing to take off Friday and Monday in April. Southwest has fairly decent fares to Providence (not great), so if everyone is on board with April 17 - 20, we could probably make it.

But let us know asap so I can reserve the flights.

Tina

Chris said...

Okay, I need everyone's decision on who's actually coming. Tina & Dave, thanks, I think April is the better time for it. I need to decide on what house, that's why I need a head count of who's coming. ASAP I really like the Sandwich house, but I'm concerned with sleeping arrangements. Do any of you mind bunking in same room?

Karen

Tina and Dave said...

One more thing...I know it's your party, Karen, but we'd prefer the Falmouth house since there are more bedrooms and baths. Sorry...

Tina

Patty Putts said...

Bill and I will be there. There's a possibility that he won't be able to get the days off but let's plan on him. Either house is fine with me and if necessary I don't mind bunking with someone else - Bill and I can split up if that works out best (girls room, boys room) - you know what I mean.

Chris said...

Tina, I'm going with the Sandwich house only because the Falmouth house was an inn before and I don't think it's as open as the other one. And I was going to give you and Dave one of the bedrooms with king size bed and bath. Although the three full baths are in the bedrooms. We'll manage.

Karen

Tina and Dave said...

Karen,

That's fine. Frankly, I like that one better, too, it just seemed like it could present a problem with so many old people needing bathrooms :-).

We appreciate you accommodating our desire for privacy. Like you said...we'll manage.

Dave didn't hear back from his boss yet whether or not he can get the days off, so it may be a moot point, but definitely book it for that weekend and we'll make it if we can.

Tina

Tina and Dave said...

Dave got the ok, and we just booked our flights. We'll be arriving in Providence at 12:15pm on Friday and leaving on Monday morning.

Tina

KathyJohn said...

This post has probably closed, but here is another comment anyway. Good to see that this has come together. I've blocked off those vacation days on my calendar. Looking forward to this.

Karen said...

In seeing Patty's email about the Bujaky's, I'm looking to see if there are any houses for rent near us, although with them you can't commit to anything and I'm not sure how much money they would want to spend.

Patty, are you going to let them know about April?

Karen

Patty Putts said...

I emailed Lisa to invite them for April but her and Gene are going to Las Vegas the first week of April while the girls are in FL for a music thing. So, that would be too much for them. She is still interested in a summer outing if that's planned but that's highly unlikely. Figures! The one time they express interest in coming up we're not doing anything!

Karen said...

We can always do a quiet summer thing at my house.

Karen

Barney said...

That was my original thought - just a bigger than norm backyard picnic. Come, and we shall build it, to paraphrase "Field of Dreams".

Rosey said...

Just the fact that they would actually come up here is reason enough for a picnic/party bash. But being cynical as I am, I won't hold my breath.

Anonymous said...

Personally, I don't see why we should scramble to do something that wasn't planned just because they've decided to (maybe) grace us with their presence.

I know that bitchy, but what can I say.

Patty Putts said...

I actually agree with Annie for once! Who knows if they would actually come up even if we did host a party. I like the idea of having something medium sized (our family plus a few friends and relatives) at someone's house. Sorry to put you out Karen but you're centrally located and have a pool! I would certainly kick in some bucks to get a caterer so we wouldn't have to deal with anyone cooking food so everyone can enjoy the party. If that's too much we can all pitch in and have a pot luck. I hear some people are doing that for weddings now even. So, if folks are up for something like that let's put some dates together and get them out to them Bujaky's so they can make plans.

Rosey said...

I agree with that. I would be okay with Patty's idea, as well as possibly a caterer. Annie, that's not bitchy because, unfortunately, it is SO true. Like I said, maybe it's just me being cynical but I guess I'm not the only one.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I can't believe I didn't get any flack! Speaking of bitchy, I HATE those bring your own food weddings!!!

KathyJohn said...

I agree with everything said. We can plan a semi-big/small event, let people know about it and ask them to respond with a definite yes or no. I'd also pitch in bucks to sponsor this shindig. Location is up to you guys.