another year, another annual fund dinner

it's hard to believe that i've been attending the annual fund dinner at the bean's school for four years now.  from that first time in that stupid pan am stewardess getup to the extravaganza the following year and then last year, when the bean was in the show choir...well, i'm getting to be quite the regular at these galas now.  i was actually going to attempt to beg off this year because it conflicted with our weekly girl scouts meeting, but considering the fact that i'm the sole room mom in the bean's classroom this time around...well, i didn't feel right skipping it.

lucky for me, the old lady found herself with that night off from work.  i'd have had to go stag otherwise, with the hub still out of town on one of his old man cigar trips and MIL all set to step in for me at the brownies meeting.  it was nice to have some one-on-one time with her, and we had fun looking for outfits to wear and getting ready for a nice evening out.

the school's gym had been transformed with a lot of pixie dust and a ton of work by the school's marketing director.  she always outdoes herself with these things, and i'm always wondering how she's going to top herself with the next one.  amazingly enough, she manages to do just that.  the theme for this year's gala was "chasing truth," and i remembered her saying that she was going for a rustic, countryside look.  one step into the lobby showed that she'd definitely achieved her objective.  there were real trees lit by decorative lanterns and even sound effects to make it seem like you were walking through the forest.

and inside the gym, there was astroturf on the floor with more lanterns hanging from the ceiling, green walls and pretty backdrops on the stage.

the tables were beautifully set.

i managed to get one good picture with my date.

dinner started with salad:

moved on to a family-style main entree and sides:

and after some really entertaining and impressive student performances, promotional videos and a keynote speaker, we stepped outside for a dessert bar catered by the school's chef.  this is the creme brûlée cheesecake that the old lady picked up:

and my mini lemon meringue pie.

both desserts were really delicious, and the perfect way to end a lovely evening.

i can hardly wait to see what they come up with for next year.  i'm really kind of hoping that the bean can take part in a performance again.  having my kid up on stage is a really great way to get me motivated to attend these things.  because, duh.