Once again, the Cunningham Clan has gathered at King Johns Lodge to celebrate a great family event. This time the honored guest is Edward, the patriarch of the clan, who is graciously turning 80. He has invited family and friends to come and eat, drink, and be merry-- and toast to a most marvelous life. The weather was less than marvelous: rain and wind kept the sun away for most of the day, though Pimms cups were still served.
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| Happy Birthday, dear Edward! |
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| rain didn't keep Oscar, or anyone else, from having fun. |
Edward had thought of everything: a marquis to keep us dry, compliant boxes, sack and egg & spoon races, bouncy castles & assault course capable of handling multiple children and adults. A treasure hunt and poetry contents. The rain didn't keep the kids from running around outside, thanks to the great Paul who was willing to keep running about even soaking wet. It was quite exciting to meet all of Edward's friends. Will and I sat at the "Uganda Table" and heard tales of adventure from when Edward was part of the Imperial Civil Administration in the then-colonies of Uganda and Kenya.
Other tables had neighbors from their time in Barbados and DC. There were multiple god-children present. Several friends from his Cambridge Trinity Hall days. And everyone had a tale about Edward: driving to Italy in a beater of a car. On the boat to Uganda. Camping in Kenya. Beach holidays in Barbados. Flashlights and cops in DC. All highly entertaining and highlighting what a wonderful person Edward is.
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| on the assault course |
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| We have a woman down! |
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| thumbs up for a fantastic celebration! |
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| compliant box |
It was the same caterer as our wedding, so the food was absolutely delicious. And it kept coming! First lunch, then dessert, followed by tea and scones. And for those still around, a light supper and another round of dessert or cheese.
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| too many desserts from which to choose! |
When the rain gave way to sun, everyone enjoyed wandering the gardens looking for clues to another word puzzle or running through the assault course.
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| on the treasure hunt through the gardens |
All in all, it was, as Edward had styled it, the Great Event of 2011.
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| three-legged races |
Once again, the Cunningham Clan has gathered at King Johns Lodge to celebrate a great family event. This time the honored guest is Edward, the patriarch of the clan, who is graciously turning 80. He has invited family and friends to come and eat, drink, and be merry-- and toast to a most marvelous life. The weather was less than marvelous: rain and wind kept the sun away for most of the day, though Pimms cups were still served. 
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