After the big reunion week, culminating with the actual reunion day, life slowed down just a bit. We had a couple more days where everyone was in town and then eventually for the last week of our time in CA, it was just the CA Cruess families and the kids and I. I bounced around from my parents' house to various siblings' houses and just got great time visiting, sharing hearts, and relaxing.
always games.
On the day after reunion we all went to Mass together in the morning and got a huge group photo of my parents, the 7 original Cruess kids and spouses (only missing Chris!), and all 30 grandkids.
Heart full.
The kids and I visited Kevin and Sara up in the foothills and we picked wild blackberries and visited the creek and waterfall.
mmmmmm!
I got to snuggle sweet baby Mary
Cousins!
Godparents!
I'm Benji's godmama and Kevin and Sara are Elise's godparents.
Gosh, I miss you guys. I sure wish we lived closer and could hang out more often.
Elise loved their German Shepherd.
Just some random pictures of cousins from the week.
We celebrated Kayla and Lily's birthdays with a big pool party. They loved it.
Water balloon fun at Uncle Sean and Aunt Christine's! Seriously, I wish we lived closer when I get to spend time having heart to hearts with my sis and watching all our kids play together!
Nana and Granddaddy took us to the duck pond after Mass one morning.
I am so blessed to have such amazing parents. Thank you for all you do and are. Thank you for your countless prayers and sacrifices.
And thank you for all the fun! Games, games, and so much swimming!
Lego room
Barbies room
Cover Your Assets was the game of choice of the week. Even 4 year old Sophie learned to play and was constantly talking Granddaddy (and me!) into playing games.
Everyone wanted snuggle time with Mary!
Night prayer with Kevin's family
Oh my goodness- this is the sweetest!
Triplet swimsuits!
When we stayed with Rob and Priscilla, we got to join the dance party birthday celebration for Priscilla's mom. Yes, my little brother owns these amazing light bulbs. It was awesome.
I couldn't attend, but my roommate from college made her final vows just hours away from where my parents live! My friend Jacinta sent me pics and I'm so glad. It made me feel part of it all in some small way.
Kayla with her godmother.
Saying goodbye on the final day.
I hate goodbyes.
One last game of Cover Your Assets.
Good-bye, California! Thanks for all the fun!
And a special shout out to the amazing man, Michael, who helped me get my half-awake children off the plane, through the airport, get our bags and walked us outside to wait for Chris to pick us up. God bless you for your kindness because I never would have been able to get off a flight landing at midnight without your willingness to help.
