The Bridal Shower

The beautiful bride

Well, it was another whirlwind trip to Denver for Shawna's Bridal Shower. My friend Judy from Show Low was invited and decided to accompany me on the trip. She hadn't been to Denver in a long, long time so it was a fun trip. We first were picked up at the airport by Ren and the girls. Then we hit the road running. We arrived around 6:30 and the shower was the next day at 10:30 a.m. We hadn't bought our gifts yet, so we were pressed for time.

We hit Bed Bath and Beyond first. Gift buying was pretty simple. The shower was a "basket" shower, so at home I had made some gift card holders. I purched four gift cards, tied them to four red roses, and did bath towels in a laundry basket with the flowers holding the gift cards. It was about as clever as I could get in such a short time. I originally wanted to get them pots and pans, but, since it was a basket shower, couldn't think what basket was big enough to hold them all. So I opted for gift cards and they can choose them for themselves.

Shawna's mother had the shower at her lovely home in East Aurora. It's a gated community and she has a fabulous view. We had a great turnout and everyone was very clever in their choice of baskets and contents. She did not get one duplicate that I recall.

Her mother put on quite the brunch which was delicious

Delaney went to the shower, her first. She was totally a center of attention. What little girl isn't.

After the shower, us girls (Ren, Judy, Kennedy, Delaney and I) went to a favorite restaurant called White Fence Farms. It's a charming old farm, immaculate grounds, petting zoo for the girls, gift shops and the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. There is absolutely no grease on the chicken. They first serve you (all you want) cottage cheese, picked beets, coleslaw, 3 bean salad and corn fritters (to die for). Everyone gets a half a chicken, which is impossible to eat it all. Afterwards we walked the grounds and Delaney played on the swings, checked out the peacocks until it started to rain. Then back to the Bell's we headed. It was Father's Day, so we took Phil a little something to eat upon his return from his day at the Reservoir with friends.

Judy and I on our way to the airport

Three short days passed quickly. We shopped at real malls, visited with Ren and the girls, Scott, Toni and Jordyn, and the bride and groom (Jeff and Shawna). There just never seems like there is enough time to get anything accomplished with the trips are so short. But never fear, we are headed back to Denver in just two weeks. We'll join friends and family at the Hilton Garden Inn, have a fun time seeing old friends, and enjoying the beautiful wedding at Hudson Gardens. Until then...