Open Dream Party

The host, hostess, and dog-host are rested.  The recycling and trash are gone.  The leftovers are put away.  The dishes are done (thanks to a great friend!).  The Open Dream Party was a success!

About 70 friends, co-workers, neighbors and family stopped by the Dream this weekend to make sure all of our “work” wasn’t just photo-shopped nonsense.  We had a great time giving personal tours (our “secret room” was quite the hit, but you’ll have to wait to hear about that on the blog), showing off what we’ve done so far, and just enjoying the company of people who love and support us.

Without further ado… some photos from the shin-dig…

Our gorgeous guests…

this good lookin’ couple lives down the street… he also happens to be the pastor who married us! how lucky are we to have them as neighbors?

the cute couple responsible for most of these pictures (what hostess wants to play shutterbug all night?) thanks, c&b!

bowdoin did his share of entertaining as well

you have no idea how precious this photo is to us… our realtor and dear friend passed away (from a short and sudden battle with colon cancer) before he had a chance to see the dream… that’s his gorgeous and wonderful wife on the right… on the left, his partner that stood in for him and helped us seal our dream deal. we absolutely love these ladies and the impact they had on our lives at such a poignant time.

signing our "guest wall" -- more on that soon!

By the end of the night, two things were certain…

we had one thoroughly exhausted bulldog on our hands...

and our guests were incredibly generous!

Instead of housewarming gifts, we asked our guests to bring donations for two of our favorite charities — one that helps people and one that rescues puppies.  As you can see, our guests did not disappoint.  We are so grateful and thankful for their generosity!

In the end, it felt a lot like our wedding (a mere 20 months ago!)… we had a great time, but felt guilty not spending more time with each individual guest.  We had many half-conversations… several “Did you take so-and-so on a tour?” inquiries… and many “They were here?” moments post-party.  So, if we didn’t get to spend quality time with you, we are sorry – and we would love to have you come back!  After spending the remainder of the weekend on the couch watching golf, napping and going to other people’s homes for dinner – we probably have enough energy back to entertain you again!