Thursday, July 10, 2008

4th of July Highlights



I'm a bit late with this, but oh well...so goes the days of a new mother.

We spent the weekend of the 4th in Dewey, OK, at The Colonel's family reunion. Once we finally got there on Friday afternoon (just in time for lunch, thank goodness!), we had a great time. The drive down was a little frustrating with a screaming 3 month old, and NO towns to stop at to rest of grab a snack. We ended up on some farmer's dirt road so that I could feed the boy. Luckily things only got better.

Here are my highlights:

1. The first injury of the weekend belonged to NOT one of the bazillion kids running around, but to The Colonel. After only 3 hours at the reunion, my hubby was crouched down on the ground with a dislocated shoulder! It's an old injury that crops up every few years...or every time the almost 39-year old goes up for a lay-up. He yelled for his EMT dad instead of me, but I saw the commotion and ran over there. MIL said I was almost as white and pale as he was. The good news is that once he stood up, it went back into place, and we took that time to go check into the motel and rest for a bit.

2. There were many many more injuries over the weekend, and we are only lucky that The Colonel wasn't injured again because it wasn't long before he was playing BBall again (with his right arm, he told me). Many of the kids left with more bumps and bruises than they came with, too. You KNOW Ellie is hurt when she actually cries, and I think that happened 4 times! Crazy kids.

3. Before all the injuries happened, The Colonel got his first introduction to Wii...and I'm proud to say that I kicked his butt at golf until I had to stop to feed the baby.




4. Jayme, Crystal and I worked on a video slideshow of Gary and Kim for their funeral. Unfortunately, most of the family didn't get to see it because they showed it before we all got in there. We took time to watch the video as a family and to pray for continued healing for all of us.

5. We also had a rowdy game of Catchphrase. There are a few new family jokes from that game! It was a lot of fun.

6. After some family singing on Friday night, a lot of people headed off to watch the town's fireworks shows. But, the old fogies/new parents (that would be The Colonel and I) headed back to the motel instead. And we were rewarded with a boy who slept through the ENTIRE night without waking up. 8.5 hours! Woo hoo!! (Too bad we haven't been able to replicate that - but, we're still working on it)

7. The next morning, after a yummy pancake breakfast, we had the all-popular auction. Unfortunately, Uncle John, our pro auctioneer (for real!) and Laura's dad, couldn't be there, but we had a great time anyway. The Colonel's art project sold for high dollar, as usual, and I stocked up on some gifts and some fun items.



8. After the auction was the kids' pinata. Another annual tradition. The kids line up from smallest to biggest (Lil Major included) and take whacks at the pinata until candy and toys fall from the sky.



Our drive home was painful again, but we chose another route that took us through more towns. I just pray that this kiddo starts liking his car seat better VERY SOON!

Hope you all had a great 4th. We sure did (injuries excluded!)!

9 comments:

Eliza said...

Thanks for your sweet words.

You have the most FUN family reunions! Seriously. I'm glad you guys had a good time!

Chelf said...

Our Fourth Festivities are not nearly so organized or steeped in tradition, but we have a good time in Kansas.

I will bring the Cribbage board the next time I come to visit. Lil Major is growing so fast. I want to come soon, but I don't know when the next chance will be. I will definitely let you know.

bandofbrothers said...

Could your son be any cuter!!!!

So sorry that the colonel had a bad time with his shoulder. sounds painful. glad he is ok and it wasn't permanent!

Elyce said...

I feel for ya on the car seat thing. Lily screamed bloody murder every time we even started to SET her in her car seat - until she turned one and she got to turn and face forward. Then everything changed and she was happy as a clam. Somehow we survived it and then counted our blessings that Renee was lulled to sleep on car rides.

Amy said...

He's getting so big! I can't wait to meet him.

Your hair is getting really long!

Billy said...

The little one is getting big. Looks like you had a wonderful time!

Laura said...

It was SO good to see you guys!!!

Cheeziemommie said...

your husband is reminding me of my husband's with his sports injuries
the "only using his right arm" bit had my cracking up!
I loved reading about all the fun family traditions you guys have!

Jayme said...

that baby...I love him. :) That is a great pic of you guys. :)