Stephanie and Wilson’s open house.

This is my talented, brilliant, and beautiful- let’s not forget beautiful cousin Stephanie and her handsome husband Wilson. They were married in March of 2011 in the sunny state of California. Much of our family is located in Michigan so the newly weds flew in – once there was an assurance the snow was gone - this means August (wink) to give us folks whose lives didn’t permit us getting on a plane the opportunity to celebrate with them. My Aunt Georgia and Uncle Alan hosted a wonderful dinner at the Bailiwick Pub in Flint so we drove over and made a mini vacation out of it.We pretty much filled up the joint and even in the crush of people and with the ferret feeling travel worn from the several hour car trip, it was worth it to see her beaming face. Best wishes Stephanie and Wilson.

Caelun thinking the butter is face cream and hair conditioner and Clint trying to re-educate regarding those concepts.

These are the few pictures I got from standing at our table while on ferret duty. There is something pleasant about being in a room full of folks who share some DNA with you even if you are being held hostage by a giggling ferret armed with butter.

A family brunch

The day after the wedding my mother’s older sister – my Aunt Ardis- had a brunch for her kids and grand kids and invited my little band and my Uncle Lee along. It was nice to catch up with folks.

Lee gives Caelun a snuggle. Uncle Arch and Clint watch form the side.

 

  

Ardis who is creeping up on 80 and runs and wins marathons has a basket of toys for the little people.

Some of the medium sized people found the toys entertaining as well.

Heather’s husband Scott who had to work the day of the wedding was able to join us.

left to right

Heather, Scott, Clint, Carrie, Lee, Aubrey, Caelun, and Andrew are in the edge.

Aubrey, Abbi, Heather, Nicole, Ashley

Nicole and Caelun

Becky chats with Lee in the back.

Dancin’ the night away at a holiday wedding.

My cousin Brett got married and what can possibly be more fun than a holiday wedding? This wedding was on my mother’s side of the family- the Steinhoffs. My mother is one of 14 children and let me tell you this part my family knows how to throw a party. The wedding was on a Friday and on the opposite side of the mitten from our residence. The Friday in question was the final day of school before winter break for both Clint and I so it wasn’t feasible to take the day off and we didn’t want Abbi to miss any more school than necessary so we decided to leave shortly after school and just attend the reception. There was an accident on the free way on the way there that held us up a bit- though I think Caelun enjoyed the lights and sirens of all the emergency vehicles. We arrived post dinner but the folks at the hall were very gracious to get us plates of food and the rest of the party was in full swing. We all had a wonderful time dancing and re-connecting with family we don’t often see. Abbi absolutely boogied down on the dance floor and Caelun loved all the lights. He was surprisingly good natured even at 11 p.m. having had no nap all day. Yep NO nap- not even in the van on the 3 hour drive over. I took lots of pictures of lots of folks dancing. The lighting wasn’t very conducive to photos and some how I missed getting a photo of the bride and groom- go figure. I think you get a feel for the fun we all had celebrating the the joining of 2 lives- here is to you Brett and Rebecca. Thanks for inviting us to share in your day.

Caelun loved the decorations.

 

Abbi and Ashley grooving on the dance floor.

Andy joining in.

     

Susan is in the back behind Abbi.

Aubrey is busy dancin’

John, Meghan, and Nicole join them.

 

Lee and Linda get a chance to chat.

  

More sparkles for Cae-Cae

Clint relaxes for a minute.

Ashley chases Caelun down.

 

She captures him…

 

and he is off again.

More dancing.

   

That is one TIRED boy.

 

Lee, Carrie, and Heather get on the floor.

       

Santa even made an appearance.

 

What a good big sister.

  

Chocolate milk break.

What a gorgeous girl.