Reunited

We finally made it to Findlay (had to fly there and drive to Lima since they were doing work on the runway) just in time to kick off the family picnic! It was such a surprise to see faces I haven't seen in YEARS!!! It was really kind of a bittersweet gathering since this was the first year that none of the "original" McGinnis's were there. My grandfather, who passed away earlier this year, was the youngest of 7 children. He had 5 older sisters that passed away before he did and one that passed shortly after. All the "families" were accounted for and just like in past years, there was plenty of good food and even better memories that were retold for the younger generations to listen and learn from. It was surreal to be attending this year's family reunion as a mother, introducing the girls to people I haven't seen since I was a child! I have such fond memories of this annual gathering and hope Lexie and Olivia are able to have the same opportunity!


The banner welcoming everyone to the reunion
Ginny passing out information she had acquired about the family dating back 6 generations!!!
My dad sharing a story or two about fond memories he had with different aunts and uncles.The special "surprise" for Granny.
And boy was she surprised!!!
It wouldn't be a McGinnis family picnic without games for the kids...or the kids at heart. This was a sack race for the 50 and over crowd! YOU HAVE TO SEE THE VIDEO!

Click on the arrow below to play...well worth the 20 seconds or so!


I am sure a few extra strength tylenol were consumed a day later...that had to hurt!!!




Aunt Betty's family
Aunt Violet's family

Aunt Mary's Family



Aunt Lucielle's family
Don's (my grandfather's) family

Aunt Mildred's Family


After a long day...it was time to head home!

Grandpa looking out the window enjoying the ride.
Lexie and Buster sleeping peacefully!

New Heights

With the baby shower BARELY over, it was time to load up and head to NW Ohio for the McGinnis family reunion and surprise 80th birthday celebration. Yes that is right...baby shower Huntington, WVa in the am- Reunion and Birthday party NW Ohio in the pm.

YES...I am certifiably CRAZY!!!

I digress...It was off to Allen County Ohio for the McGinnis Family reunion. Thankfully we were able to use Grandpa's airplane to get there or we would have NEVER made it! And how special that this particular trip was Olivia's FIRST airplane ride!

Packed up and ready for take off! Granny, Lexie and Grandpa are all smiles--while Olivia is sacked out for the journey!
Shane at the helm- Grandpa and I were WAY too tired!
Looks like someone is going to wake up for their first airplane ride!
Not quite sure what to think of it all...but she did great! Just like her BIG sister! No tears, no screaming...just "plane" old fun!



Thanks again Dad...we couldn't have done it all with out your help!

Shower Times Two!

Tis the season to be busy!

Nothing spells fun (or insanity) like back to back weekend showers...especially in two different states! Thank God my girls are good travelers!

A dear friend of mine is expecting her first bundle of joy! Ella Jane Watson will soon be making her debut, but first we needed to help her mommy prepare for the big day! Emily and Keith were kind enough to offer their home as the perfect place to host a baby shower (after all...it is Ella's future home)! It was a lovely morning to celebrate the impending arrival of a sweet baby girl!!!


One of the tables set for the guests...Emily had this BEAUTIFUL pink china...just perfect for the occasion!



Fresh fruit in a "baby buggy"
The favors...chocolate covered pretzels...perfect for those salty AND sweet cravings!
My second attempt at homemade fondant and cake decorating...Getting better at it!

Holding up my end of the clothes line...(Emily's gift from Lexie and Olivia)...I made burp clothes and matching onesies for Ella Jane


With Em and the quilt that Granny made for Ella...(Sadly my grandmother wasn't able to attend, she was taking care of my sick babies!!!)



SUPER BIG THANKS to Mrs. Mays for being such a TREMENDOUS help!!! Best of luck Emily with the remainder of your pregnancy! Can't wait to meet Miss Ella Jane!!!! She is going to be one lucky little girl!

Shower Time!!

One of my very good friends from high school is getting married and I was lucky enough to be included in the bridal party! Bethany and Brian will be saying "I Do" in a couple of weeks...but first we needed to celebrate the Bride...and BOY did we CELEBRATE...ALL DAY LONG!!! I hosted a bridal brunch at Pine Ridge Farm (Bethany's parent's lovely home--thanks so much Mr. and Mrs. Tobin!!!) to kick off the day's festivities. Friends and family members came from all over the US...literally, to help honor the bride to be! She was showered with TONS of great gifts!!! After brunch was served, gifts were opened, and the cake was cut...it was off to the spa for some pampering! Ahhh....what a great treat...pedicures and manicures! After our indulgences, we headed to Bethany's favorite home town restaurant, Papa Bear's Pizza Oven for a bachelorette party (and a rather interesting looking cake--good job Geebs!). After one final stop at the Fox and the Hound...we were all ready to head home! Now...we just have to wait for the main event!!! October 10th will be here before we know it! Congratulations Bethany and Brian!!!


My first attempt at homemade fondant and cake decorating!
The shower favors-the tastiest "B" cookies (b is for Brian and Bethany)
The spread....
The BEST bartender and clean up crew EVER!!! Thanks Mr. Tobin!
The blushing bride- Bethany, enjoying her gifts!


Bethany with her "peaches"...
The reaction to her "other" cake! Even better is the look on Mrs. Kent's face (Bethany's Grandmother)!!!
"THE CAKE"- Well done Genevieve!!!
All the lovely ladies at the bachelorette party!
Me, Bethany and Genevieve...life long friends!!!




(Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Tobin for allowing us to use your beautiful home, Genevieve for all of your help the day of...and of course my mom and grandmother for looking after the kids!)

Impromptu visitors....

Fresh off a weekend away (Russ to NYC for his fantasy football draft, while the girls and I went to Canton) we received a phone call from "Paw-pa". He was back from Houston with a couple of days off and was finally able to come out for a visit. Luckily, Granny was able to reschedule a doctor appointment and was able to join him. It was a VERY quick visit, but we had a great time!

Olivia is SOOOOO excited to meet her Grandpa and see Granny again!

Grandpa and Lexie head outside for a golf lesson...who is teaching who??? I think Lexie is showing Grandpa the proper back swing!!!




"Now what am I supposed to do with this again???"
Grandpa watches as Lexie tees it up!
Back inside, after a quick golf lesson, Grandpa shows Lexie how to JAM with his iphone....
"You call THAT music????"

Olivia is all smiles while playing with Grandpa.

We took this video during dinner....it is toooooo funny! Lexie was poaching Russ's dessert and grandpa got a BIG kick out of it!!!

Click on the video to view!!!

Grandpa, imparting some very useful knowledge to Olivia...
Olivia is really enjoying our visitors!!!
Granny gets another hug from Olivia before it is time to leave...
Lexie waves good-bye...can't wait to see you guys in a few weeks! Thanks for making the trip!!!!

Sisterly Love

One of Lexie's favorite places to lounge is on the storage ottoman/toy chest. She was kind enough to let her baby sister lounge and I was lucky enough to have the camera close by!


Lexie leans up to check out what Olivia is doing....


...and decides to give her a kiss! What a GREAT BIG SISTER!!!