Angle Family Fun Day

I think the house is finally finished. The stainless counter top arrived, modeled by the lovely Isabelle.

We have hardware on the cabinets, and a shiny new sink. More on that later. We've slept here three full weeks and We absolutely love it! It truly feels like home. Now to get the rest of our things moved in...More on that later too!

Twice a year my family gathers together for "Angle Family Fun Day" named by yours truly. To make everything "fair" (we are siblings, not saints), and not have some families traveling more than another, we created a rotation. And this fall was our turn to host. Thankfully, our house was finished early, and we were able to have everyone Thanksgiving weekend instead of New Years weekend like we had originally planned. THANK YOU Matt!

Mom and Dad arrived last Sunday, and worked like busy little beavers all week on (our) their "honey do" list while Ryan and I worked. They did an amazing job, and the house looked FABULOUS when everyone arrived.

Mom. I don't think she slept at all while she was here. Really. She was awake when I went to bed every night, and up when I got up each morning. I hope I can be half the Nana she is when my turn comes. But I don't think I want to be a "Nana"...maybe a "Softa" or a "Sho Sho"... different topic for a different time...

Uncle Ben and Aunt Mindy were the first to arrive Wednesday evening. It was the first time we've met my niece, Ashley. She is so beautiful. I'm not saying that because she's my niece, she really is just the sweetest baby. Eye lashes, big brown eyes, chubby legs. Cuteness you can eat with a spoon.

Ashley and Hunter. Looks just like my brother. Except for the dimples and brown eyes. Those are his Mama's. William was so excited to share his bunk bed with Hunter. The three years in between their age is no problem, they play wonderfully. Makes your heart melt.

Miss Lydia and Isabelle. We marvel at their differences. Lydia has thick, thick, curly dark hair, dark eyes, and Isabelle has thin, Marilyn Monroe hair, blue eyes. Don't let their cuteness deceive you. When Elizabeth is ruling the world, these two may just de-thrown her when their time comes. Talk about a family of alpha females.

Uncle Reuben arrived shortly after, with Wesley and Logan.

I'm sure these cousins were never more than 5 feet from each other at any given moment. I am so proud of these boys. At almost 15, and almost 14, they tolerate my kids like no other. And act like they are enjoying themselves! I hope it lasts....

Uncle Simon and Aunt Kasey were the last to arrive, about 3 am on Thursday morning.

This is their little bundle of sweetness. She looks nothing like us. She's all her mommy. And she's just beautiful. What is it with nieces and nephews? I've been thinking on it this weekend. Why do we love them so much? Is it because they bring back fond memories of my childhood with their fathers? or that I loved my Aunts and Uncles so much, that I want them to love me too? hmm. I'm thinking some more.

We kept busy Thursday and Friday, playing, playing, playing. And dare I say? very minimal fighting and crying! woo hoo!

Nana hosted a tea party for the girls, complete with real tea and cookies! For some I think it's more about the cream and sugar, some the cookies, but everyone had a good time!



Miss Ashley enjoyed it as well...check out those polka dot tights!

And because these boys felt completely left out,




Papa hosted a tea party for all the boys. With real tea too, cookies and ice cream.

Wesley cannot wait until the next time!

We spent some time shopping, most of our time eating, but we had a fabulous time with them all here. Kimberly came and took a family photo, no crying or gnashing of the teeth, she is truly wonderful. Quick, Quick, Quick! She was so good, that Reuben and Ben decided to do some family shots too. When you have a good photographer, she gets done before the kids get cranky!

Reuben and Simon headed out Friday night, and the rest of us headed to Ohio Saturday morning for my Dad's family Christmas. More photos to come!

I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

God has blessed us with much over the past year, our cup is running over. And for His greatness, we are truly Thankful.