What I've Been Up To - This Is A Long Post!

As I start to prepare to leave on another trip 

(this time to Utah - Casual Bloggers Conference, here I come!),

I realize that I've kinda taken the casual blogging to an extreme...

as I've been almost non-existent. 

BUT, I do have a reason for this, and here is what's kept me away:

1.  Went up north for my oldest daughters wedding.

(There for 2 1/2 weeks:-)

2.  Went to Florida for a second wedding reception.

(There for 5 days:-)

We had a lovely family dinner together.

I just wish that everyone could have been there!

The cake table was fantastic.

I made chocolate dipped pretzels for the groom,

and cake pops for the kids.

We had taco salad, homemade salsa and guacamole.

(Thank-you Simon:-)

The punch table.

A few of the brothers and sisters.

Joey provided entertainment with his dancing!

The newlyweds with our dearest friends...

Susan and Bob.
Susan is the brains behind all of our get togethers
and my kids wedding receptions.
She helps with the cooking, flowers, and deocrations,
and has taught me everything I know - about catering!

Me and my wonderful buddy, Becky.

Me with lovely Mariliana.

3.  Back home for Thanksgiving.

Suzanne, Barry, Alton, and Evelyn came for a week.

I love this shot.  Big Shoes.  Little Shoes.

Boys Shoes and Girls Shoes.

We celebrated an

early Christmas

with them.

I love this crazy family!

We celebrated Christmas morning with Gracie and George...

Joey, and Seth.

4.Then we packed up the car and headed for Florida.

Steve hadn't seen his brother in several years,

so we took advantage of his visit with our parents.

Jeff knew we were coming, but it was a total 

surprise for our parents, Simon, Mindi, Connor, 

Carson, Andy, and Colby.

We ate.
(Seth's girlfriend, Jessica, drove up to spend the day with us.)

Enjoyed being with family.

Shared gifts....

and the first Christmas with our

newest grandchild.

5.  Headed back home, to pack for our trip to 

Colorado, on Christmas Eve.

(There for 3 1/2 weeks:-)

We all went to dinner at Olive Garden.

Peyton spent the afternoon coloring.

Our daughter, Sarah.

Our daughter, Sariah-Lynn.

Our daughter, Sonnie.

Our son-in-law, Dave, with grand daughters

Katelyn on the left, and Avery on the right.

I got to enjoy sunsets or the mountains...

and snow!

I got to visit the happiest place on earth LOL,

but seriously, I just love this place!

Had a 3rd Christmas with the girls

and the grands.

What?  

Nobody said that we couldn't play with the Play-Dough

on the carpet!

We celebrated Avery's birthday.

Sonnie had oral surgery.

Here are her chipmunk cheeks.

Poor baby girl.  She was miserable!

6.  Headed back home.  Managed to get unpacked

and wash all my clothes...and then the terrible phone call.

My best friend had a heart attack.

I was on a plane to Florida the next day.

(Was gone for 2 weeks.)

 While there, I was able to celebrate with my son,

Simon.  Happy birthday!

And spend some time with Connor:-)

7.  To Alabama for Easter and to help out

when Suzanne had her oral surgery.

(There for 2 weeks:-)

I was able to get a few of shots of the Easter Bunny.

Suzanne before surgery.

And after surgery.

Swollen and green!

 Every morning, I would get up with the children

(so that their mommy could sleep in), and

we would have a picnic breakfast in my bedroom, 

and watch videos on my laptop.

Ssssssssshhhhh - don't tell on me,
I let them eat candy with breakfast;-0

8.  Back home for a week, and then had 

Simon, Mindi, and Connor here with us for a week!

While they were here, we went to the Zoo.

We saw...

Tigers

Can I play with him...please?

Elephants

Zebras

Seth was most interested in eating.

Yum - Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Chili Cheese Fries!

Connor was most excited about seeing the...

Giraffe's!

While they were with us, we had many

great meals, and celebrated (a little late)

Connors first birthday.

Don't you always eat with your foot propped on the table?

Now, I'm preparing for a trip to Utah.

(I'll be gone for 3 weeks:-)

I will get to see more grandchildren

and will be attending the

Casual Bloggers Conference.  WooHoo!

Then when I get back home, I'll have about five days

to prepare for a trip to Florida!

Gosh - life is good.  But dang, I'm tired:-)