The People at the Party

It was really, really wonderful to have just about the entire family present for the reunion this past weekend. We were honoring Grandma L., and the picture below represents all of her offspring and their spouses, except for Michael's brother Micah who was unable to attend.

We posed for this picture after the memorial service:


There was an engagement over the weekend! Daniel (one of Michael's brothers) popped the question to his girlfriend, Crystal, and she said "yes."

Michael's Dad and his sister Loreda:
It was really fun to have all of Michael's cousins present. One cousin he hadn't seen in 30 years! We had a great time catching up and getting acquainted. Here is Michael with 3 of his 5 siblings, and 2 of his 4 cousins:

Sunday the weather was a bit warm so many of us congregated around the house:
We had sparklers for the kids on Saturday night. What fun! James kept his hat and glasses on all night! What a kid!

Baby Cakes was desparate to try a sparkler, and then a little shy. But he had fun:

It was really fun to have all my childrens' cousins present! Andrew thought it was totally cool to have a big boy cousin (Ethan):
My mom joined us on Sunday and brought an extra guest: Mr. Hummer. She found this wounded humming bird in her driveway and began caring for it. She took him everywhere -- the dentist, work, church, etc. because she had to feed him frequently. He was adorable, and mom could hold him in her hands. She finally found an exotic bird lady who was happy to take him.

The kids had lots of fun playing with the "kid toys" that were provided:

More cousins enjoying the bubbles:
The weather was perfect Saturday evening and we all enjoyed eating outdoors:

More fun outside:
Rachel had so much fun having her cousin, Kyleigh, with us. It brought back so many memories of me and my cousin and the fun we had growing up. It made me so happy to watch them playing together.

And here is a picture of the lovely lady we were honoring:
Michael's Dad gave a beautiful eulogy:
David enjoyed himself -- the glasses were a hit!
More cousins and relatives mingling on the back patio:

Aunt Loreda and Kyleigh enjoying conversation:

Nicole (Michael's sister), her husband Joe, and Stella stayed with us for the weekend. We loved being able to see Stella! (Oh, and you too, Nicole and Joe)

Stella is very charming:
Pizza night, Friday night, with cousins and aunts and uncles all around:
Father's Day with Dad L. It was amazing to have both our fathers in town and at our house on Father's Day!

The last of our guests flew home yesterday and the house is back to looking like it normally does (lived in). We are grateful for all the good memories, and for the incredible blessing of strength to actually do something like this. God is good!

Some photos are courtesy of Wendee and Daniel -- hope you guys don't mind!