A Toast to the Rindlaubs

John & Sarah Rindlaub, Najma & Firoz Lalji

Last evening, Ken and I attended a lovely dinner party at the spectacular home of friends, Najma & Firoz Lalji in Newport Shores in honor of Sarah & John Rindlaub.  It was a Farewell Party (one of the many coming up) to wish John and Sarah well as they get ready to undertake their new adventure with Wells Fargo in Hong Kong.

Sarah Rindlaub and Cathi Hatch

The Lalji home is built for entertaining large groups.  Most fantastic is the long, grand table running down the center of the Great Room that can actually seat around 60 people all at one table!  But there is plenty of room to add other tables around the perimeter too with cozy seating areas at either end of the room.  Also, Najma was kind enough to let the Husky football game run silently in the background on the big screen so we could all keep track of the final game in Husky Stadium.  University of Washington Michael G. Foster Business School Dean, Jim Jiambalvo who was there with wife Cheryl, and staunch Husky fan, Mike Garvey and was there with wife, Lynn, kept pretty close track of what was happening.  (Unfortunately, the Huskies lost to the Oregon Ducks.)

Alison & Dan Chester, Cathi & Ken Hatch, Sarah Rindlaub

The three beautiful Rindlaub daughters were there for the celebration; Alison with husband Dan, Susan with husband Alex and Julia with friend Blake.  Following Firoz & Najma's gracious welcoming remarks, several guests toasted (maybe roasted just a bit) John & Sarah beginning with Craig Williamson who was there with his wife, Janet.  Other toasters included Bob Wallace and was there with wife Joan, Jim Coles who was there with wife CK, Mike Garvey and me.

Carol & Buster Brown

Jim Jiambalvo, Mike Garvey

We all enjoyed a beautiful buffet dinner catered by Bis on Main, one of my favorite restaurants, where you can always count on great food and service.  Some of the other friends gathered to help celebrate were Carol & Buster Brown, John Otter with Molly Gregg, Mark & Denise Tabbutt and Margaret & Randy Talbot.

Following dinner, John and Sarah stood together while John remarked on each guest in the room and why each is an important friend that John & Sarah value.  It was a lovely tribute to the people there who care so much about both John & Sarah.

As the evening wound down to an end, I sensed that John & Sarah may be a tiny bit worried that we ALL are planning to come and visit them while they are living in Hong Kong.  Ken and I are looking forward to it!  :-)