family reunion

Last weekend Barbara's extended family converged on Seattle

in our first real reunion ever.

Dad has been with the Lord for almost a year,

and we know that without our parents on earth, 

we'll have to be more intentional about these times together.

Amy and Mark build a puzzle of the world with J&D

 It was a sweet time of playing together, singing, eating, 

talking, remembering, laughing, crying, and catching up.

University Baseball Catcher B plays a backyard game with uncles and cousins

 Two of my wonderful sisters hosted us in their cozy homes (thank you, J&J!)

in the pink!

Grill Master K prepared his delectable chicken! Thanks, K!!

 And with all that great chicken, Michael chose a hot dog?!?!?

The weather was chilly, but the fellowship was warm

Convergence of cousins!

Little J tells a 'knock-knock' joke.  Toodles, J!! ♥

Mark catches up with R&K

 Below: us eight siblings

We miss our sister, Shirley, but we know that her reunion with Christ is much better!

 For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
Pleasures pure and undefiled,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

Michael, Amy and Elise walk to see the animals with their cousin, K, and little second cousins J&H

And yes, we were all taking photos.  :)

Three handsome men

My big brother Carl and me

Mark with one of his hiking buddies, S

 The grand-nephews and nieces had a great time with Mark;

they dived under a table at one sister's house to see how many of them could fit.  

I was told they squeezed 10 of them under there!

Then he escorted three of them off on a hike at the park...

it turned out to be a little further than Mark anticipated,

but he and Michael loved their cheerful company!

 What wonderful times.

I miss you all already!

But I won't cry because it's over,

I'll smile because it happened.  

(a paraphrase of a quote by Dr. Seuss)