A few days before our party, we had received some pretty awful/shocking news. Rob's company suddenly laid off 14% of their workforce, which unfortunately included all of San Diego - almost 600 people lost their jobs in an instant. We were both devastated, obviously, and it could not be worse timing with us buying this new beautiful home - we had believed both of us had such stable jobs and I guess it just goes to show you nothing is guaranteed in life so we need to be grateful for everything we do have. Rob has been doing ok - sometimes really scared and worried about the future, but mostly I think he's optimistic and hopeful he will find something better. We had thought about cancelling the party but I'm so glad we didn't - we definitely needed to be around our loved ones and it was such a nice reminder about what is important: relationships in life. We're so grateful to have such amazing people in our lives and we continue to count our blessings for our love for each other, our health, our white furry wonder, etc. So, the party went on!
Setting up for the party, getting the food, drinks and booze all arranged:
My favorite apron:
Since we don't have our landscaping done yet, we set up our outside table with a blanket underneath it, and Rob set up our camping picnic tent for another little seating area - it worked perfectly!
Here Sean and Carter figure out the mysteries of life: 
Paige, Sarah and Maria: 
Here's some work folks, Sean and Rob have worked together 10 years now!. Daniel and Sarah are here with their little guy Noah who is so freakin' adorable. Luckily, Daniel is in finance and already had a pretty solid job lead.
Rob's coworker David: He's such a positive guy. Unfortunately his wife was laid off just 2 weeks before he was, and they have kids to support, but they're both so optimistic and lovely, I was trying hard to channel their inner peace: 
Here's some of my work friends, Maria, Jeff and his partner Tim. We were all laughing that it was such a strange mix of folks: depressed laid off Biogen-Idec people and a bunch of compassionate therapists - free therapy over cocktails, what could be better? :) 
More work people: Kris, Jessica, Maria, Jeff, Tim, Mary and her Mom Dora:
Me with my awesome boss MaryLou and her husband (also a therapist at Kaiser) John:
More folks at the party: Us with Dustin and Allen:
Me and Mo: 
Rob photo-bombing his softball buddies: 
And, joining them(Jen, Vic, Erica, Steve, Alanna and Derek (who got engaged the week after our party!):
I was so impressed with how many people fit in our place...we couldn't have more than 15 people at the old joint, and even then, it was super packed! How we ever crammed 15 of us girls in wedding dresses in there, I will never know. 
Our friends Pat and Holly (who incidentally brought the fake lips that were a HUGE hit)
We look like drag queens! 
Eventually, Rob and his fake lips chased the girls around the house - they were screaming hysterically (and of course begged Rob to do it again and again and again...hysterical!)
Our regular gang were such troopers - we barely were even able to chat with them! 
Goodness knows what's even happening here:
Finally, at the end, our neighbors came by. It was such a nice way to wrap up the party, hanging out with them and getting to know them better. 
Rob took a crack at soothing fussy Elie but she wasn't having it, despite his best efforts: 
Jason and Tara have learned that they're expecting a girl!!! We're so thrilled for them, and it's so fun to watch them getting ready to be parents, Tara had the touch: 
Rob with a happier neighbor, Zara: 
Mayur and Zubin: 
Me, Swati and Saritha: 
Party animal got wiped out! He looks how I felt...
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