Annual Tea Party before the Ellensburg Rodeo

I've never missed an Ellensburg Rodeo...ever and neither has my daughter, despite living across the country.  We all love the traditions and excitement that is celebrated every year at the rodeo and the chance to see old friends, make new ones and spend time with the family.  But what many don't know is the hardest and most exclusive invitation Labor Day Weekend isn't at the rodeo grounds, it's in my parents garage.  It's McB's tea party.


What's even better is that she has made a few bucks running this tea party.  You must respond to the invitation by marking a yes or no (the no really isn't an option she is just being polite).  Then you are required to return it, prior to the time of the party because when you check in at the party you are asked to pay, .50 cents this year.  Last year we paid $1 each, guess she was feeling generous last week. 

a view of the rock center piece in
crystal.

Here are a few pictures of the table, we were at a card table, HUGE upgrade from last year when we sat at a small wooden table my uncle had made when I was her age.  We also had real glasses to drink out of and tea cups, which were washed this year.  She has really gone upscale.  Please note that McB is does an excellent pour, specialty flavored water!
We had cotton candy grapes, little specialty candy, nilla wafers and peanut butter, frosted animal cookies and home made chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven.   Nice sugar high for us before the Friday night rodeo. 

Mac was also a guest at tea.  He had his own treats, and then of course he had a few from my mom too...at the table...with the rest of us. 










Here are those delicious and over the top chocolate chip cookies that were fresh out of the oven.  McB took time out of her serving to pose for a few pictures with the guests.  Please note I am not kidding we are in the garage.

 This is where all the magic happens and where McB preps, samples and rests between serving us all the different courses.  This used to be at my grandpa and grandma's house and my sister and I spent hours playing house, kitchen, etc. with it and the very same tea cups and saucers we still use at the tee parties.  To the right you can see how tightly scheduled our tea is and believe me it ran to the minute.  (I do love this about my girlie, she loves a schedule just like me).

 This is almost the best part, when we are done, she presents us with the bill! She also reminds us that it is a cash only tea party since she doesn't deal in credit.  This year we got off with only $3.50 total for the five of us.  Luckily Grandpa Bill could afford it.


A toast to another fun filled Friday afternoon before the world famous Ellensburg Rodeo later that night.  Well done McB!