Big day!

On our anniversary we went up to Bellwood to the home of Darren's cousin to celebrate Great Grandma's 91st birthday!  She was having a really good day which was such a gift. 

It was already a big day, so Sarah decided to make it even more exciting:

she stood up without holding on to anything for the first time & second time & over & over & over.  We'll see how quickly she translates that to walking!

Alleluia! He is risen!

 Happy Easter!

The kids awoke (early) to a house that had blossomed into spring.  It's a lot of work, but I love making it such a drastic change between them going to bed & waking up in the morning.  Seeing their faces light up makes it all worth it for me.  :)  Teresa insisted in getting all dressed up BEFORE looking for her Easter basket.  Priorities, I tell ya.

 Yes, that is beef jerky: Andrew's favorite treat.  Seems to end up in crazy places like Christmas stockings & Easter baskets...

 After Mass

I love this statue of the Risen Christ.  I've looked all over the place for one we could have in our home with no luck.  If you ever see (a smaller) one, please let me know! 

 After Mass we headed up to Darren's parents.  All the aunts, uncles, & cousins... even Great Grandma & her sister were there!  Later even more extended family showed up.  I think it was easily the largest group we've ever had there for a holiday.  I was almost emotional seeing all of these big guys at "the cousins table".  They were just chatting it up & eating away... they are growing up so fast.  I have such fond memories of the cousins table.  It's so fun to see them really becoming friends.

 Then, because we can never get enough, it was time for another egg hunt with more candy.  Anybody want some???

 The gorgeous afternoon weather was a perfect opportunity to shoot of Andrew's model rocket, too.  Three launches & only one resulting in a 3 mile walk to retrieve it.  (The LAST one, if you hadn't guessed.)  Quite the thrill for all!

What a beautiful day with wonderful family & a fantastic celebration of the most important event of our Catholic faith.  We are so blest!

Family, family, everywhere!

We have been abundantly blest to spend bounteous amounts of time with bounteous amounts of family in the last month & this weekend just kept it going! The newlyweds arrived in town early & announced they are expecting a baby! Woohoo!!!We joined the rest of the Red clan at my cousin Joe's wedding. I'm so happy for him. It was a beautiful wedding & she is a very sweet girl. The reception was a little late but tons of fun. It was 10:30 & Teresa was throwing a fit because we were MAKING her go home. She could have danced all night. That girl's got some moves! Here she is with lovely cousin Clare.

Then on Sunday we headed out to see Great Grandma for our final? Christmas celebration. Lots of family, food, & fun. Teresa loved this little cow that sang & walked.

Here's Grandma with her niece & two of her sisters. Her brother even made the trip. Quite the family reunion! It was fun to see them all together... I know it sure brings out another side of me when I'm around my sibs, so it was special to see that in Grandma, too.

Thanksgiving 2011

We spent the day up at Darren's parents & it was full of family, food, & fun. So thankful for... cousin wrestling,

curtain peek-a-booing,

happy coupling,

auntie hugging,

meal sharing with Grandma & Great Aunt Sr. Alma,

Great Grandma snuggling,

bucket hiding,

beautiful day swinging,

enthusiastic Grandpa playing,

& SO MUCH MORE. Thank you, Lord! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!