And a good time was had by all.......

In these frenetic days with myriads of things vying for our attention and locales defined by career opportunities, it is indeed a rare opportunity to collect all my progeny, their spouses, significant others, their babies and even their doggies under one roof.  And when we do gather it is a Big Deal.  To Us.  And we wring out all the fun we can capture while that fraction of time exists.

 The Patriarch and Matriarch enjoy just having their Big Grown Up Kids around.  They are highly entertaining and very interesting.  Purely objective opinion.  And their kiddos are truly The Most Amazing Little Girls.  Ever.  Another objective viewpoint.

 Most of our entertainment revolves around eating.....Whether its Sweet Sharon's Stir Fry Extravaganza, or

 The Big Kahuna of Meals to my kids: The All Day Simmer of Corned Beef  O'Cabbage, this year calling for four loaves of Irish Soda Bread.  This addition called for by the in ordinate carb addiction of Miss Viv, who eshewed any other form of nutrition during the meal, calling for more and more bread from her Mimi.  What a Irish Gal!  

 Then there was the well planned photo shoot by the mamas of the granddaughters.  Coordinating outfits were purchased for the Mimi requested event: Both(all three:D) grandbabies in the same square footage for several days!  The weather cooperated and all the very expert cameras were brought out for the best photos ever of two of the most adorable little girlies.  Mimi just watched took photos with her hand me down camera and absorbed the wonderfulness of the  moment.

 After going to church on Sunday, we gathered at the local Mexican Restaurant to watch in awe as Miss Viv ate nearly every bit of her quesadilla and most of the plate, we believe, since we waited for her to complete the meal for a very long time....

 Even the Doggies behaved themselves, even though they got left out of the photo shoot....

 There was the quiet time with Papa...Helping him celebrate his birthday week....

 And Nature Walks with Auntie Lovely Wife...Next year, at our March Spectacular Reunion, Miss Vivie will have to share Auntie with two more cousins

Then it was time to wind up the weekend...We missed Wonderful Man who stayed at home with a roaring case of sinusitis.....All the new thoughts on the Living Room Makeover were stated and helpers abounded.  Tummies were full and memory banks were added to.  Hugs and waves goodbye while our hearts yearned to stay this close all year.....


As they all departed to their own homes in faraway lands, I thought back to the Young Mama Days and how I never could have imagined the joy of watching these four of the most interesting people grow into such delightful grown ups; sensitive and caring, strong and moral, funny and tender....And finding mates that fit in so well....


Thank you Lord, for family....