Sunday, September 25, 2011

Celebrating 60

Warning:  This post is packed with photos.  Proceed at your own risk.

My parents both turn 60 this year.  My mom's birthday was in July and Dad's is this week.  Since it's kind of a big deal, my brother, sister and I wanted to do something for them.  After much deliberation, we decided to book a weekend away with all 17 of us (that's right, 2 parents/grandparents, 3 "kids" and 3 spouses, and 9 grand kiddos)!

We didn't have to look far for the perfect family get away.  My Uncle Steve (my Dad's brother) builds and sells/rents luxury cabins in the mountains of NC.  It was a memorable weekend for our kids (and I think Nana & Papa enjoyed it too)!

There was fishing . . . with actual fish caught, although I failed to capture that with a photo!

 Uncle Steve, Archie (the dog), Ella Grace & Papa
 Annabelle & Daddy
 Annabelle & Papa
Katie

We spent time at what our kids call "Uncle Steve's Farm" ~ they think it's magical ~ who wouldn't with things like:

Bowling balls in trees
A 3 story barn housing Steve's "museum"

Full of all sorts of treasures:

 Antiques
 Indian Arrowheads (many of which he's found during construction)
 Crystal Chandeliers in a barn?
 Lots and lots of antiques.
If there is an earthquake, he's in big trouble!

There are baby chickens:


 Christian, my 6 year old, handsome, nephew
Annabelle

And, of course, momma chickens with eggs to collect:

Ella Grace & Annabelle

Potatoes to dig:

 5 year old, Noah
 Katie
Sweet Allie, 3

Raspberries to pick:

 Christian & Noah
 Annabelle
Ella Grace; enjoying eating!

As if all of that isn't magical enough; there are tractors to be driven!

 Allie (I love that the expressions on their faces are exactly the same!)
 Christian
 Katie
 Noah
 Gabe
Ella Grace
Annabelle

The kids love being together.  In the cabin we stayed in, there was a ladder in one of the upstairs closets that led to a loft/attic area.  Upon discovery, the kids claimed it as their "cousin club" and no adults were allowed! 



 These two are only a few months apart and loved being together!
These are our three kindergarten-ers!  One day we'll take this picture again with graduation caps on!

One of the highlights was meeting our newest nephew (and cousin), Levi:

So perfectly sweet . . . 

Of course, we had birthday cake!


And more silly moments than serious ones!


Mom and Dad,  Thanks for giving us a reason to celebrate; and I'm not referring to your birthdays.  I mean, thank you for letting us celebrate you and this family that you have loved, nourished and watched grow!  Your investment in each of us contributes to making us the men and women that we have grown into.  The love you have for our children is like none other ~ they adore you and it is a joy to watch you invest in them.  

  
Happy 60th Birthday!  

We love you!


1 comment:

Joelle Turner said...

Oh, wow! What an awesome weekend! Glad you were all able to celebrate 60 together that way. My parents reach that milestone in 2 years... I would love to do something like this for them. Thanks for the idea! :)