Too Much To Say...

It's funny what a difference a week can make! Last week I was scratching my head as to what to blog about. Today I have so much to say that I don't know how to begin to edit it down!! Life is crazy! I came home Thursday afternoon from Minneapolis and my folks were already here for the holiday weekend. It has been a family tradition for years to try and get as much of the family together for Labor Day weekend. Busy lives has changed what that looks like and who is able to come, but we always have a good time!!

Here are a few highlights from the weekend:

Friday lunch at Galleria De Paco with my parents and A and his girlfriend CB. This is a restaurant in Waterloo that has the Sistine Chapel painted on the ceiling with over 5000 cans of spray paint. It's amazing.














An inside shot of some of the painting inside the restaurant.




Saturday brought the arrival of my younger brother and his family. (Minus his oldest daughter who they dropped off last weekend for her first year of college!!) We got them settled in and headed out to the nearby Amish area to order them a new dining room set. It will be gorgeous!! Takes 8 months to get, but is well worth the wait! We've had several pieces of furniture made by them and love it all!

And then the games began!!!

Beanbag baseball is a Labor Day tradition. Basically you divide into two teams and throw bean bags at a board that has bases; outs; fouls etc.. on it. What is so great is that ANY body can play regardless of athletic ability. We had Steve's dad and wife playing (both 85) and my nephews playing and even Sumo wanting to join in!!












I was on one winning team and one losing team.
Sometimes I got on base; sometimes I got out. (Some from the opposing team even dared to suggest that I was an 'easy out'). I stuck my tongue out at her. Very mature, I know....







R and his friend KR showed up and joined our team late in the first game when we were losing quite badly. We managed to come from behind and win!! (Unfortunately I had already decreed that the winners had to do dishes since I clearly thought I would lose.....). R and KR were named MVP's of the game and given the crown and tiarra.












But, of course, Sumo is the real king and proudly wore the tiarra as well.

















Our son A set up his slackline which was enjoyed by many. Few could conquer it, but they enjoyed giving it a try. It is hard to see in this picture, but basically it is a narrow strip of webbing pulled tight between two trees and that you attempt to walk across much like a tight rope. I didn't even give it a try as I am trying to stay injury free until after the marathon!












Saturday night we played a game of 'Four On The Couch'. Basically it's a name game where the object is to confuse everyone as much as possible. Well, not really, but that is what it feels like. The real object is for each team (girls or boys) to get 4 from their team on the couch. Let's just say it's complicated. What would make it REALLY complicated is if you didn't know many of the people. Well, this is exactly what happened when K arrived with her boyfriend SC (on the far right). Poor guy. Crazy introduction to a crazy family. He did well. Oh, and yes, the boys did win!!


Bocce ball is another game that got a lot of use. Pretty sure that R won every game. Probably thought he'd get to steal the tiarra back from Sumo, but twas not to be.








By Sunday night we pretty much all felt like this - tuckered out!! I went to bed early, knowing full well that Monday night (tonight) might be a little crazy with the arrival of little Sophie!!! Yes she is here! I will share one quick photo, but promise to do more tomorrow.













Sumo and our new little Sophie! So far they seem to be doing ok. Sumo gives out little growls and barks to let her know who's boss, and she is learning fast!! I don't think it will be too long and they will be fast friends. More photos tomorrow, I promise. I think it's time to take her out one more time before bed. It will be her first night away from mom. I hope she does well!




Until Next Time....