Sunday in the park DITL

[spinthemoon]

In the spirit of full disclosure, I actually forgot it was a DITL day, but just happend to be taking pictures. Also, multiple people used my camera so not all of these pictures were taken by me.

We hosted a Steampunk themed picnic/tea party at a local park. This DITL starts around 2:00, after we spent a half hour trying to find a parking spot, and had to move the first picnic site we set up because of high winds.

Middle Daughter starts unpacking. Again.



Because we are running late, people are already arriving.



Middle Daughter gets texts from people trying to find parking spots, and people who are lost.



But eventually everyone finds us. Noshing ensues.



No one seems entirely convinced our Wonderland Croquet idea will work.



But it does! The wind blows the hedgehogs around, which just makes it even more authentic.







We also play Graces. The wind makes it extra challenging, and fun.







Husband sets up the propane stove so we can heat up the teakettles.



Middle Daugher and my mom have some laughs.





We have a couple of magicians attending, and they do some tricks for us.



He calls this one "The Missing Head". Navy joke.



Some tea party finery.





Parasol dueling. It's like Rock, Paper, Scissors, but with parasols.



The men hang out by the food.



Once the kettles boil, we can start Tea Dueling. These are the prize ribbons, pinned to the banner Middle Daughter made. We are very fancy.



Middle Daughter and I share Tiffen Master duties. She presents the cookies.



I pour the tea.



Ready...



Dunk! I'm making a weird face because I'm counting.



On the count of five, the duelists try to eat their cookies before they fall apart. Which they do, which is why the duelists are wearing tablecloths. I was going to make special Tea Dueling bibs, but got lazy.



We go a few rounds before we have a clear winner.



More croquet.



More noshing.



One guest brings her new dog, who looks very much like our dog, only much smaller.



So. Much. Food. I always make too much food. It doesn't look like it, but people have actually eaten quite a bit, and I ended up bringing very little home.



It's starting to get late, and people are relaxing and visiting after all the excitement of games and duels.







And enjoying some tea, of course.









I have no idea why everyone looks so serious in this picture.



The tea dueling arena is commandeered for some more games.







Eventually, it's time to start packing up.





We are very tired.



Husband toasts a successful event.