So many of my close friends live in my small neighborhood, but we didn't get to know each other as neighbors. We went to elementary school together and were in girl scouts and on swim team together. Our families became friends and as our families moved into larger homes, our neighborhood was one of the few places to go in our school district, so we kind of coincidentally, kind of not, moved into the same neighborhood.
This group of friends in my neighborhood has had countless cookouts and potluck get togethers, so when my MOH planned the shower, she stipulated on the invites (which were adorable, by the way) that the shower was for girls only at 3:30, but would then evolve into a regular neighborhood cookout at 6:00. It was so perfect and I was glad that the dads and brothers and significant others were included because they are important too.
{Does this look fake? It was.}When I got to the shower, all of my friends and their mothers were scurrying around making sure that everything was done, all the food was lined up and ready to go. Everyone was helping, and I couldn't help but think how lucky I am to have this community of friends that I grew up in, that has always been there for me.