Still recovering from an insanely fun, exciting, tiresome, crazy, and wonderful weekend with a whole bunch of Andrew’s extended family, who came in for Andrew’s grandmother’s funeral. We created some pretty amazing memories, I should say. And though we really missed Andrew’s brother Ryan, who is currently deployed in Afghanistan, his wife Kristin and their four kids crashed at our house. Milo and Oliver went through major withdrawal yesterday, and there was much whining on Oliver’s part for missing his cousin Ava in particular. 
As I sift through picture after picture, it is really difficult to narrow enough down for one post, so I will split it up into three parts. There were so many activities planned and so much shuttling around on one day that it feels like a complete blur. But I wouldn’t take any of it back, nor wish it to be easier or less hectic, because sometimes life is like that, and it makes me smile just thinking about it. I realize that it also makes us appreciate the quiet when it is time for quiet. But there is something really special about a house full of the laughter of children, who run from room to room occupying each other’s time with an endless array of ideas and games and trouble. No one complained of boredom. No one got seriously injured, and all pretty much collapsed in a sweaty heap by the end of each day. 
Andrew’s grandmother, or Nana, as they called her, would have been so happy to see this sight: 14 of her 17 great-grandchildren all packed into a back yard, jumping on a trampoline, eating watermelon, screaming and laughing and making mud pies, and forming bonds that only cousins can form. 
More tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who made this weekend a success! Hope your weekend was filled with love and laughter!
I was exhausted just watching our guests go to and from all the activities. Great seeing you this weekend! We really need to not wait so long next time. Also, your food looked amazing…. Hopefully next time I will feel good enough to eat it!
What an awesome looking gathering. And Emil is a magnificent gangster, with that cap gun in the back of his little pants.
I don’t think I will look at Gaby Baby the same why now. I took for granted his little man-ness. He certainly is a character, and I was happy to see that Casey can drive his Uncle Andrew just as crazy as Ryan.