The Baptism - BBQ - Birthday Extravaganza

The weekend before last we made a trip to Portland to be with my family for the weekend. My oldest brother Jeremy and his wife Molly live in Milwaukee and their twins were getting baptized. Although it was a race to get there in time, we arrived with minutes to spare and it was so great to be there for their special day. They both looked so happy and we are so proud of them. {Despite our screaming kids,} I could feel there was a lovely spirit to be felt and it was wonderful to watch my brother baptize and confirm them both.

(picture via my brother Jeremy)

(Jer, Molly, Caleb and Alia. Isn't their family the cutest?)

After the baptism we all convened back at Jer and Molly's house. We had planned to BBQ and have an early birthday celebration for my dad who turned 60 today. The weather cooperated luckily and it was a perfect and gorgeous day. Jer grilled up some delicious ribs, burgers, and hotdogs. All of the kids had a blast playing out in their big backyard - they ran, jumped on the trampoline, played with the new puppy, climbed trees, played catch and completely wore themselves out. The adults had a blast eating yummy food, visiting, laughing, listening to my brother play and sing us some of his music, chasing kids, and holding our babies. My arms got a much needed break thanks to everyone there. It was fantastic to all be together, I think it has been over a year or longer since that's been possible. It reaffirmed to me how much I love and enjoy my family. We are all different and bring something unique to the group and we always have fun. On top of all of my siblings we also had my grandma and grandpa and my uncle Lester and his wife Jan and a few of their children with us. It was a houseful. When we all get together it is great.

We had planned on doing a little "roast" for my dad and have everyone tell their favorite things about him. Jer got out his video camera and recorded it I think. It was really funny and we laughed and laughed, I could barely breathe at some points. Some of our favorite things about him:

-Summer trips to Idaho where he would always have us stop at the same places (Crater's of the Moon anyone?)

-The fact that he can figure out how to fix anything and walk you through it over the phone if need be.

-He can talk to anyone about anything at any time.

-He can give you a full history lesson and then some.

Then what I didn't expect was that since my birthday was coming up, they all roasted me too. I think they went a little harder on me, but lucky for them I'm tough and I can take it. It was all in good fun. Everyone sang happy birthday to us and we blew out the candles on some cake. I don't think I ever get too old to like making birthday wishes. We'll see if they come true.

We decided to take some pictures while everyone was together and because our family keeps growing and growing.

(Tam, Tuck, me, mom, dad, Jim, Rich, Jer)

(9 grandchildren and one more on the way)

(Maelin, Kendle and Alia)

I wish we could have more days like that where we are all together. It gets harder as we all get older and life gets busy with kids, church, work and sports, but it is so worth the effort to make the time. Hope we can do it again soon! Thanks Jer and Molly for opening up your house and letting us party.