Yay for family!

It's taken me WEEKS to finally sit down and finish this post! Yes, it's rather belated, but it wouldn't be a Pickles Post if it were timely, would it?

So basically Daniel's baptism was an occasion for a mini-family reunion. It was wonderful and crazy here for several days while various incarnations of relatives descended and... ascended? It meant so, so much to us that everyone was willing to travel so far to come here, especially now that flying has become so pleasant and hassle-free! (I can hear Miriam: Mom, are you being sarcastic again?)

Here's everyone (minus the photographer, Grandma) -- all six (SIX!) Pickles, Aunt "Tatie" (as she shall henceforth be referred to), the godparents: my brother Dave and his wife Katie, my brother Joe and his wife Anne Marie and their offspring Damien, my parents, and MY godparents! What a crew!


Three Katies!

It seems that every year there's some family event like a wedding or a baptism that provides a convenient opportunity for a family get-together. We were happy to provide this year's venue. :)

Daniel fascinated by his godmother.

Joseph wasn't quite sure what to make of Damien at first. But once he realized that Damien wasn't a serious threat he was willing to let Damien play with his toys. Being two is hard. :)

All the cousins!

The house was very full -- and noisy! I'm afraid it got overwhelming for those not used to having rugrats underfoot. Parents have a defense mechanism which allows them to tune out an amazing amount of background noise. :)

Even I got overwhelmed, though, so one day when everyone wanted to go in to DC I elected to stay home with the baby. It was awfully quiet that day...

Still, it was so much fun having everyone here! One night we roasted smores at the dinner table. (Joseph is covering his ears because of a passing thunderstorm.)

It was great that the kids got to spend so much time with their grandparents. We're envious of Damien, who gets to see his grandparents ALL the time.

Dad working his Grandpa Magic (TM)!

Grandma getting some quality time with Daniel.

Story time with Grandpa. Nobody tells stories like Grandpa -- because nobody has as demented a mind as Grandpa. :) He has a record of altering stories to hilarious results.


Grandpa had a great time corrupti-- I mean, teaching his grandchildren everything he knows, like chess, baudy sea chanties, and how to make whiskey in your bathtub.

Joseph in particular was an eager student.

Every grandpa should have a beard for giving Beard Rubs.

We miss everyone so much now! It's hard living so far apart.