June 28, 2009
-
I was going to blog a couple days ago, but Xanga wouldn’t let me upload pictures. Thought I would get it done while the kids were gone for a couple days. They are due back any time now.
They left Thurs. noon to visit one of Judy’s sisters, who had tickets to the big Country Fest over in Oshkosh. Then on Saturday they had a graduation party by another sister’s. After that, they were going to Sheboygan to have dinner with Mindy’s boyfriend’s folks. They said they would stay down in that area and come home here today.
It is good that they are able to spend more time with all the families!
This coming week the strawberries should be ready for picking at a local farm. Ken and Judy are already making plans for that—also plan on picking peas. Yumm. I see strawberry shortcake in our future!
————————————–
We had a nice get-together last Sunday.
The day started off with Judy and girls going to church. Jeff, Kenny, Ken and I had gone on Thursday. We took the bus, and people were wondering if a church band or singing group was performing!! lol
Judy made “sister” dresses for Gretta and baby Catalina:
People came and went during the day. The weather was perfect, and there was lots of good food!
Ken needed more shade!
While the grown-ups sat and chatted, the kids played. (Although most of them aren’t “kids” anymore)
Greg’s family was finally all together, so we managed to get a family picture with the newest addition–Lydia’s hubby, Nate included.
Lydia had to leave for a while in order to work a softball game. Nate stayed here, and Lyd came back again later. Did not get pictures of everyone. I was enjoying myself so much I forgot about taking pictures until later on in the day. They did have a fire in the fireplace in the evening, but I didn’t go outside for that. Smoke isn’t good for asthma! Guess some were out there until 2 a.m.! They were very quiet and didn’t bother any neighbors.
The day before the party, our sis-in-law, Judy, (who lives behind us) was babysitting her grands. She brought them over to see the bus. Little 3 yr. old Brady was so fascinated by it, he said he wanted to drive it. He made his gramma get on board and said he was gonna “drive her to his house”! He was so cute.
A day or two after the party it was VERY hot out. Kenny was outside doing something—maybe taking a bike ride—and came inside and rubbed down (or up) his hair. He looked like he stuck a finger in a light socket! Of course Mimi had to haul out the camera. Actually, I think it looks kinda cute! Otherwise, he wears it flat.
That about brings you up to date.
A couple relatives—who shall remain nameless—suggested we have a Family Reunion here,including all the cousins and their families, and I should organize it. Sorry guys!!!!!! This one wore me out, and it was small–only 24 of us. With all the siblings and cousins and families, we are talking probably close to 200!! NO WAY!——but it sure would be FUN!
Comments (22)
That is a wonderful family. So much love being shared! You and Ken must be very proud
TONTOO
you are so blessed and I love the name Catalina
@Jillycarmel -
Just before Catalina was born, son Jeff sat down with a map showing all the places they had been to so far since they went on the road. He wrote down name places that would work as names. There were some weird ones in there, for sure. Then, each of their 6 kids put marks next to the names they liked the best. The name with the most marks won! I cannot remember what the name was for a boy. I especially liked the name Catalina because it reminded me of Tucson, where I grew up. The Catalina mountains are all along the north side of the city, and one of my favorite places to go on a hot Arizona summer day—or for a little snow in the winter. Great memories.
@Nanny -
You know we are!! Just as you are of yours!
Wonderful photos of the party , I can see why you said no to the idea of the family reunion
it’s still hush hush but I will be getting my first grandbaby in Jan2010 and I wonder what name.
My oldest son was stationed at Fort Hauchucha,Az.
It’s been over a year since I visited your Xanga. Thank you so much for sharing your family moments. It’s nice to know you bond with them especially on sundays. I appreciate how you update your Xanga and as you know.. I am an avid reader. I also adore the pictures! Watching them playing badminton makes me miss that sport. I should go back to badminton soon. Thanks again,
I am looking forward to more updates.
Looks like ya’all really know how to have a good time. I love the sister dresses. One year, for Easter, when Wendy was about 3, I made spring coats alike. For some reason, of all the pictures I’ve taken, ….. none of the coats. Grrr. They were really pretty.
Do like the dresses and enjoyed the pic of Greg’s family. I think a reunion for 200 takes more energy than I’d have that’s for sure.
I love this! The sister dresses are precious and I love the spikey hair. I try to get mine to do that and it doesn’t work:) Big families are so much fun!
I love the sister dresses and they do look like sisters…lovely! As for the suggestion you hostess a family reunion, I notice they always come from someone who would never have one!! My beloved MIL, Lee’s mom, had ten kids so a reunion at her place was more like a high school reunion! She would never complain to them, but since I lived nearby and often visited her, she told me it wasn’t the reunion that was so bad, but the cleaning up after everyone went home. I proceeded to get the word out to the family without telling them what Mom said and that it was too much for her. They honored my suggestion. Less than two years later Mom had the first of three strokes!
RYC Thanks for your kind comment, Nancy!! I just hope I can make the visit so happy that she will return!! When my BIL came Saturday, I told him, “God answered YES”!!!!
@Jillycarmel -
How wonderful, Jilly!! Congratulations!! I know how excited you are, too. That first grandbaby is sooo very special. Of course they ALL are, but the first one is like a miracle! My first is now 25!! It is neat when the name is meaningful—like our Catalina. One of our grandsons has the middle name Mason. My hubby Ken was a mason ever since I met him. Was a contractor for 30 yrs. We just received word of a new grand-niece with the name Ellison. I have a feeling that since that whole family loves our Door County just north of here, that she just might have been named after one of their fav towns there–Ellison Bay. Don’t know that for sure.
@mimiwi -
Forgot to mention I vaguely remember Ft. Huachucha. My mother worked at the Base Exchange at Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson, and had the opportunity for a job at the PX at Ft. Huachucha. We took a ride there to see it. I just remembering it was a pretty area, with the mountain right there. She didn’t take the job. I was about 11 at the time. From pics I have seen of the area, always thought it would be a pretty place to live (Sierra Vista–right outside the base, that is.) I don’t like big cities anymore!
@fratmom -
My hair is short now, too, and I tried spiking. Besides looking hideous on me, it just wouldn’t stay. Think my hair is getting too thin!
@mimiwi - yes, the little head in the sonogram was so cute. We have an Ellison Street in Burleson and there is an Ellison Street Antique Mall on that road.
ps I could have a 20yr old grandchild if my oldest had a child at 18yrs old like I have him but he doesn’t have any and this one is my younger son and his wife.
Gosh, so much going on! Do you love it?
The sister dresses are such a fun idea. Judy must be a wonderful seamstress!
I have tried all kinds of hair products to get even a little effect, and they never work – that’s not fair! : )
Uh-oh, sounds like SOMEone is thinking about doing the big reunion!
I love the sister dresses! It’s rare nowadays for people to sew clothes. Patterns are expensive and the variety of material available is not what it used to be during my active sewing days. I’m tempted sometimes since it seems the stores don’t always have what I want in ready-made apparel. I’ve been trying to find a simple black and white shell and no one has it!!!
I enjoy all the pictures but that little Catalina is a real beauty and must win the prize.
Funny about the bus…lol.
Have a wonderful July 4th holiday.
Looks like great family fun. I like the “sister” dresses.
What a joyful post . I like Ken with his umbrella !!
Judy , your daughter in law looks very active and kind . The same dresses for mother and children are a good idea and they are beautiful .
I imagine all the family ( almost ) going to church by the famous bus and singing !!
Kenny looks exhausted by his biking under the sun .
I appreciated your comment,Nancy , and your memories about the cherries . Yes the walnut wine is delicious too .
It ‘ s almost a gathering familial that you have to enjoy .
Love
Michel
I love looking at everyones photos. Angela is still with me and sends her regards i diont get on so much now oftyen look but do not always comment Have fun Love Marj and Aussie Angel
Dear Nancy,
Cute matching dresses.
I think that perhaps you had too much fun if you “forgot” to take pictures. I sometimes go places specifically WITHOUT bringing a camera so I will enjoy myself without paying too much attention to “photography”.
Michael F. Nyiri, poet, philosopher, fool