The day that we got our close date from Teri, we starting planning a party to celebrate being in our new house but most of all to thank and honor all of the folks who worked so hard to get us here. The date was set for the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. We had a house full of out-of-town company arrive Thursday evening. Brad, Holly, and Kate Noble from Huntsville; Tracy and Bruce arrived from Valrico with their two little ones, Carrie and Conner; and our buddies, Bobby and Suzi Russ were here from Natchez. All bedrooms were filled at 5902 Cajun Way. Our guests had Thursday evening to settle in and Friday evening the festivities began. Many of the Gems crew came along with Gloria and Billy O'Bannon and Donna and Darrell Fagala who are both building homes with Gems. Gloria and I had had many email exchanges but had never met until the night of our party. And despite Mike saying he wouldn't make it, he did and with his darling wife, Terry. Teri and Mary came earlier and help me set up. It was wonderful to see everyone again and I think they all enjoyed seeing a finished product.

I have really mixed feelings. I hate for this project to be over with. It was such a good experience. There aren't words to tell Mike, Teri, Mary and all of their hard-working crews how much we love our house. It truly is a dream come true for us and we can't thanks Gems enough for making it happen. But hey you guys, you haven't seen the end of us. Don't forget about Phase II and Phase III!