Our First Big Party at Pauline Manor
This spring, Pauline Manor finally got to do what she was built for — host a big, beautiful party. We threw a graduation celebration for our oldest daughter, Samantha, who officially completed dental hygiene school. It was such a proud moment, and I can’t think of a better way to break in the house than by filling it with people we love.
And when I say “big,” I mean it. Fifty-six people gathered here that day. Fifty-six! I admit I was a little nervous leading up to it — wondering if everyone would fit comfortably, if parking would be a nightmare, or if the house would feel overwhelmed.
But somehow, it all came together. There was room for everyone to spread out, and even parking (which I thought would be our downfall) worked out without a hitch. Pauline Manor rose to the occasion.
A Celebration Years in the Making
Family flew in from all over to be here. We had relatives in every corner of the house and yard, catching up and swapping stories, while we showed off the progress we’ve made since moving in. This house has been our ongoing project for two and a halfyears now, and having everyone here to see it — not in photos, not in updates, but in person — was the best feeling. Every scraped knuckle, every late night, every “why does this cost so much” moment felt worth it.
The House Passed the Test
One of the things I loved most about the day was seeing how well Pauline Manor handled a crowd. With fifty-six people here, you might expect things to feel cramped or chaotic, but instead, it felt easy. People flowed in and out of the house, spread out on the porch, the pool deck, and under the gazebo.
There were little pockets of conversation everywhere — family catching up, kids running around the yard, and friends laughing under the camellias. For a house that’s been a constant project, it was so rewarding to see her shine like this.
The Dogs Stole the Show
Of course, the herd thought the whole event was thrown for them. They made their rounds from guest to guest, soaking up attention and entertaining everyone with their antics. There’s just something about a herd of dachshunds weaving through the crowd that makes people smile. They were absolute perfection all day.
The Weather We Dreamed Of
We couldn’t have asked for better weather. Guests gathered under the gazebo, lingered on the pool deck, and stood chatting under the camellia bushes, which looked like they had dressed up just for the occasion. Everywhere I turned, there were little groups of people laughing, eating, and enjoying the fresh air.
A House Made for Moments Like This
It felt so good to see Pauline Manor alive with celebration. A house this size deserves to be shared, to be filled with family and friends, and to hold memories that will be retold for years. Hosting Samantha’s graduation here was exactly what I’ve always imagined for this place — joy spilling out of every corner, the sound of laughter floating through the halls, and people walking away with full bellies and happy hearts.
The First of Many
This party was just the beginning. It was the first big event of the summer, and it gave us a taste of what’s possible here. The best part? We don’t have to wait long for the next one. The next time we throw open the doors, it will be for something even bigger — a wedding.
