Dad's 70th Birthday

 Family

It's one thing that my parents always emphasized was important.  We were going to be together no matter what... so make the most of it!  We celebrated being all together in the same house for my Dad's 70th birthday.  Family galore packed that house!

Here are some great photos (mostly courtesy of my sister Chris) in for some reason randomized Blogger order & not always right side up.  :P 

Ben on the swing... escaping momentarily from the stuffed house.  :)

 We each wrote a letter to my Dad (& the kids drew him pictures), then we put them all in a big book for him to keep.  He's definitely not the most outwardly sentimental guy, but I know that is a gift he will treaure.

 We played outside,

 

 exploded already hailed-out pumpkins,

 celebrated Diane's birthday, too,

 enjoyed cousins,

 & more cousins,

 celebrated Mass together in the shed

 with the help of more cousins,

 crowded into Mom & Dad's room in the morning (you mean this doesn't stop soon?),

 explored the farm equipment,

 Michael with my Dad

 John & Maria

 James

 James & Rebecca, our kindergartners, enjoyed some art time

 Mom got her snuggle time with baby Lily

 Veronica... about 50 applications into her chapstick

 Uncle Neal & Dad along with my cousin Troy & my brother-in-law Taylor played guitars & sang for HOURS in the garage

 Michael & Gus

 Doug & Diane enjoy their tiny Lily

 sentimental aunts, uncles, & friends enjoying the music

 Lucy & Veronica grooving to the music

 Chris & Dad 

 Rebecca & Lily chatting

 Teresa with her PURPLE balloon to decorate the treehouse

 Chris, Maria, & Clare with Teresa

 The treehouse!  Quite the step up from our crooked board in the tree there, Dad.  ;)

3 generations!  Dad, Doug, & Lily

 

What a wonderful weekend & what a wonderful family God has blest us with!  I'm so grateful.  Happy Birthday, Dad!