Serbian Send-Off Family Reunion

In June, my Uncle Larry and Aunt Trendy had a going away party for my cousin, Katy, her husband, James, and their baby girl, Abby Kate. They were leaving soon after to be longterm missionaries in Serbia. It was such a special time. My grandparents came up from Texas, as did my dad's younger brother and his family. My cousin Lauren and her husband, Ryan, flew in from Washington state. My whole family was able to come as well. It was the first time we'd all been together since the cruise we took in 2007 for my grandparents' 50th anniversary. We all had a blast catching up, sharing a meal together, and playing in the swimming pool. The guys made up some funny, ridiculous challenges for jumping off the diving board. I think my youngest cousin, Matt, the only male grandchild on that side of the family, enjoyed finally having some youngish males around now that four of us older girls are married! It was wonderful to finally have a reunion - I love my family and wish I got to see more of all of them. Katy and her family are doing well in Serbia - we pray for them and the work to which God has called them.

Second cousins meeting for the first time. Abby Kate was thrilled. Mary-Claire was not so sure.

Abby Kate with her sweet Auntie Lauren.

Mamas with our girls.

All the cousins! Back: Elizabeth, Julia, me, Abby Kate, Katy, Meghan, Mary-Claire, Lauren. Front: Matt, Angela, Sarah

The whole clan

Recreating a photo from Thanksgiving 2006. Wish I could find it... I don't seem to have a copy on my computer.

Headed to Serbia!

Typical Julia - being silly and making my mom laugh. I love the way her nose crinkles.

Brothers and granddaughters.

Abby Kate was thee friendliest baby!

May 2013 Photos

May 2013 was full of so much joy and so much sadness. We grieved the loss of Francis Marie, and that is what I remember most. But, we also celebrated our graduation from medical school. And Mother's Day. And, we had a lovely trip to Kansas to spend time with Aaron's family. Since our last rotation was in April, we had the whole month off, which was such a blessing. Below are some photos of the little moments between the big events in May.

May first outing to the mall. Thank goodness for Julia. Not sure what we would have done in May without her. What joy she brings us.

My loves.

We tried to have a picnic in the park, but it was too cold and windy! We ended up eating in the back of the car... haha!

It did warm up, though, and another day we had a front yard picnic.

Love my affectionate girl.

Our monthly outing to the art museum family day. Here we enjoyed an outdoor story time.

There was a brass quartet, too!

And outdoor crafts!

And free lemonade and animal crackers in the gardens. Does it get much better than this?

Julia got into my concealer. What a laugh we had!

We transformed Julia's room from a baby nursery to a big girl room (more photos to come). Julia's first night in her big girl bed!

So proud!

Gee Mary and Jessica were in town one afternoon, so we went to get sushi....

and ice cream. Julia wanted blue ice cream, so we got her a cup of blueberry flavored ice cream. However, she decided she preferred mocha and praline ice cream, so she highjacked Gee's cone and polished it off... haha!

May Kansas Trip - Family Photos

We had some professional family photos taken in the backyard by Vicki H. H. of Depth of Field Photography while we were visiting Kansas. Vicki did a beautiful job and we will always treasure these!