Leftovers

We had a party last Saturday. Our friends and family came to welcome my daughter and son-in-law to Portland and to celebrate their marriage, which took place a year ago in Ecuador. Emily's college friends and work colleagues came and brought their beautiful children. Our brothers and sisters and their families came. Dear friends and relatives came. North Americans, South Americans. The sun shone and a nice breeze kept it from being too hot.

Today we are enjoying the leftovers.

• Lots of yummy leftover food—if you ever need a caterer in Portland, Oregon, I can give you the name of a good one.
  
• Leftover kids—Our two nieces are spending a few days with us while their parents enjoy some time on the Oregon coast. We had fun shopping at Claire's Boutique, Bath and Body Works and the Junky Art Supply Store today. Tomorrow we're making Fimo beads. (I'm always hoping to be remembered as the cool aunt.)
  
• Leftover balloons—They're floating around the patio. Every once in awhile one bursts with a nerve-shattering BANG!
  
• Leftover favors—Emily and Cayo brought wonderful little figures of Ecuadorean Indigenous people and we almost forgot to give them to the guests. We missed a few of those who left first. (Sorry, Carla—I'll send you one)
  
• Leftover memories of a beautiful day and wonderful people.

Sometimes the leftovers are almost as good as the party.