Monday, November 21, 2011

Thanksgiving in Indy

While we were in Indiana, we also were able to attend my dad's extended family's Thanksgiving. This group encompasses all of my Grandma Irene's children and their children, and their children too. There are people in this group that I don't get to see all that often when I'm visiting. Time is just so jam-packed, and they live here there and everywhere. So, it was so great to be able to attend this gathering for the first time in a million moons. Here are the highlights:

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Nathon holding LM

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My great nephew Rolen holding my son.
Every time this photo is taken, I will revel in it. 

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Nathon, Grandpa and LM

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Once again greeting Veda

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Fun with Aunt Sherri

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Right before the Blessing

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Chowing down.

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The hosts.

The gathering was at my Aunt Marlene and her husband Stephen's house. They have this one very large room in the middle of their house that works well for such gatherings. There were wall to wall people, but we all fit. And, the weather wasn't so bad outside so the kids could get out of there and play. This made it all the more appealing to the adults. Ha.


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Nonna and the boy.

The food was DELICIOUS. But, all the boy wanted to eat was his roll and some pretzels. In fact, he learned where the pretzels were stashed and would walk into the kitchen and demand some of any adult standing near the container. Somehow, he communicated this wish quite clearly, because he would always end up with his pretzels!

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Brother Bob and SIL Sherri

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LM loved the door.
Ryon was on watch at this moment.
Eventually we let him go outside and play a while.

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The football brigade - Uncle Jim, Robin's husband Mike and cousin Ali

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Debi was the first one coaxed into taking the boy outdoors.

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I wish this wasn't blurry!

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Gibson (and SIL Terri) was also there - he was getting a little tired in this photo.

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Ryon, posing

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Boys, boys EVERYWHERE

And LM thought he was just as big as the big boys. He climbed up and down that "hill" twice, and the second time he "scooted" back down on his bottom. The first time, cousin Deacon carried him down.

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Gibson and his older cousin Amber

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Love!

Of all of his Indiana first cousins, I think he has the most chance of somehow resembling this one, Deacon. He has a second cousin, Caleb, who he also favors...but, sister, that's about as good as it gets. This boy resembles those Dallas relatives. No doubt!

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OK, LM makes that face. So, perhaps there is SOME resemblance...not much.


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Oh, these boys had such a good time on that hill!

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Gibson and his Daddy

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What a bunch!

Marlene's husband Stephen is actually very good at making sure an accounting of who attended is done via photos. He had a photo slide show running from previous Thanksgivings. It's nice to see from year to year how the families grow and change. It's very good of him to take the time to do this. I just glommed on for a few...

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Saying Good-bye!

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Here is that cutie Caleb - in some photos, I see resemblance between LM and him.

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Love this one!
Nathon was NOT going to smile.

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Also good!

My nineteen year old nephew Austin also showed up to the shin-dig, with his lady friend. Amazing! It was the first time I had seen him in a while! But, he had left by the time this photo was taken. He's a busy guy.

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Saying "Hello!" to Aunt Dot.

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After a while, LM got tired too.

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Then at the end he had some GREAT fun with sweet Gabe

First, a cute story - Cheryl asked Gabe if LM went into the kitchen from the living room. Gabe said, "You mean the little guy?" while gesturing about a child about half his height. Cheryl said, "Yes!" Gabe said, "Yeah, he went that way." "That way" was the kitchen, where he and LM had the MOST fun playing in the leftover ice from the drink cooler. They laughed and laughed and laughed. It was so cute.

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Don't worry - we were watching!

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Here they are laughing at one another.

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And ice is GOOD!

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Irene's kids - Uncle Jim, Uncle Kenny, Aunt Marlene, Dad, Aunt Dorene

It was a great gathering - good food, good company, wonderful people. I hope we can hit this one again before too long goes by. Thanks for letting us crash the party!

See you soon.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Gibson Turns One!

So, the original reason for flying up for a quick weekend in Indy was to celebrate with my family on Gibson's first birthday. Here are the photos that tell the tale:

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Ceiling decor

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Table decor - blues and greens.
And, interestingly, people brought packages mostly in those colors.
Way to coordinate, people!

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Terri and the Birthday Boy

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Laughing Mamas - my MIL and Mom in the same photo!

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Uncle Bob with the Star.

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Of the four 2010 babies, Gibby is the only one who was truly walking on his 1st birthday!

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Uncle Bob helping to corral my monster while presents were opened.

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The present from us - his favorite part - the card that had a fuzzy nose.

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The part his mom liked - the shirts with his name.

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His Dad took photos...

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What's in there?

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This gift - definitely on LM's Santa list.

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Bevi took the monster outdoors for a while during presents...

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Soft books for Gibson from my mom - I'm sensing a theme here. 

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The kid really cleaned up!

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Luckily, this toy had lots of parts - plenty to go around for all the little boys!

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Before the cake!

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Amused by the singing

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Not sure...

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...didn't take long.

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SO glad I went around and got this shot. 
I love it!

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Gibson preferred the "face in cake" approach.

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LOVE this one too.

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Nom Nom

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Good job Gibby!

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The cake!

My mom made the cake, and she was disappointed in how it turned out. But, I thought it was totally cute. And, it tasted amazing.

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Gibby liked the cake, for sure!

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Mama put the birthday hat on for a few photos.
This led to icing in Gibson's hair! Hee hee.

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Great fun.

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Fun with Cousin Cora!

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One thing is for certain. 
LM and Gibson have LOTS of boy cousins to look up to.

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And they make good drums too.

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Uncle Bob's always good for a little fun too.

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Gibson totally agrees with that assessment.

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Go ahead baby, shake shake shake!

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Nathon is playing soccer.
Turns out some soccer stuff the kids just outgrew fits him!

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Such a cutie!

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A fun time was had by all!
Happy Birthday Gibson!

We have a full weekend planned - a playgroup meeting at our house. Seriously, I have no idea why I thought that was a good idea after being out of town last weekend. But, it's a happening! Then, some family photos on Sunday. And, other "stuff". Lots of "stuff". Maybe finishing the vests!!! I hope your weekend is a good one. 

See you soon.