The reason I originally made travel arrangements for Southern California was to attend a lifelong friend’s baby shower. Her mother and I were best Russian buddies in our college years and onward. Our families attended the same Russian Baptist church in Los Angeles. We sang in the Russian Youth Choir and in the 70’s we were in a Christian Rock Band that toured England in the summers. Heidi sang at Dear and my wedding. Lots of history.
The theme that my friend Heidi and the new mom-to-be, Nikki, decided on was a nautical one. Perfect for celebrating the soon to arrive little boy.
Heidi and Ken have a beautiful home in the Orange Hill area of Southern Calfiornia.
This is the mother-to-be, Nicole. When she was born she lived across the street from us.
My friend Heidi and Nicole.
The food was delicious and listed on a fun Nikki Cravings Menu.
These are all my sisters with me. My SIL and two of my nieces were also at the shower.
My girlfriend Jeanie who married my cousin Jim was there, too. Our friendships intersect with a lot of people from church, the rock group and extended families.
We arrived for the shower in bright sunshine, sat down to our meal in the shade of the early evening, and left when the sun was setting…
It’s nice to be back home with Dear. I was upgraded to first class again and had a nice conversation with an ER doctor who sat next to me on the plane.
My Wednesday will be busy as I’m getting ready to travel to Canada on Thursday. I’ll be scarce till Friday. Hope all is well where you are…
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
Beautiful home, beautiful shower, beautiful fellowship…
Looks like a beautiful shower and a lovely home! And a beautiful mother-to-be…don’t think I ever looked that good pregnant! So, you were in a rock band…my goodness…what a cool thing to learn about you. Were you a singer …did you play an instrument? Now that you have made this confession, we need details!!! ha! ha!
I think you deserve a frequent flier award! Lol! What a nice theme for the baby shower..
Wow! Mommy to be is gorgeous! And your friends home is stunning. Looks like a fun party!
That was a beautiful setting! A shower is always such a joyous occasion and this one looked very special!
I’m sitting here trying to imagine you rocking out in a band. Hmmmmm……this is fun! And you traveled all over Europe with the band? That is just the coolest!!! I’m holding my Bic lighter in the air and swaying from side to side for you right now! 🙂 Wow….what a GORGEOUS set-up for the baby shower!!! This is EXACTLY what I love about long tables! The chance for creative decor is expanded, and with the double-wide like this….I’m just in heaven!!! Your friend has a beautiful home, and the view is spectacular! Congratulations to the happy parents and grandparents, and safe travel to you as you continue your fun-filled treks!
Baby showers are so much fun – full of hope and joy. How wonderful for you to be there to share with your longtime friend. Everything looked just gorgeous. Enjoy your trip to Canada!
It looks like you had a wonderful event to share with all of us. Good times had with family and life long friends. I love the setting…enjoy your travels.
My goodness that home has gorgeous views. And is that a pool in that last pic? So pretty. The shower looks amazing.
Beautiful…the views, the venue, and all the special touches. And all your friends and family too! I remember Jeanie…from Fresno.
I’m looking forward to seeing you…soon!
Ellen…what a beautiful shower presentation for a little boy! What a special treat for you to see your dear life long friend and your family too!
Can’t wait to see you myself!
That shower beat every Martha Stewart magazine event I have ever seen ! Now I want to see the nursery too.
You were in a rock band??? Oh Ellen! Who in blogdom knew?
Everything is just so beautiful! I do love how your extended families seem to know all your friends too – too sweet!
Now that is a place to have a party! How lovely! Your niece is blessed to have such a loving group of family and friends.
Beautiful shower decor and stunning home too.
Luuuuuuuved the decorating at the shower!