Sunday, July 24, 2011

Let's Get Together...Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!

Our kids from Michigan called and said they were going to stop on their way home from Cincinnati to visit with us this weekend. I took Friday off so I could shop and be ready when they came. I needed to launder some big comforters I had and that would require a trip to the laundromat since they wouldn't fit in my washer. We had to go a few weeks ago when our power was out. It had been a long time since I've used one but they haven't changed since I was little. The machine prices have however! It takes many, many quarters to do a load. I was excited to have Craig and Amy and kiddos come since we hadn't seen them since May. I was hesitant to have a family get together since the last 2 times we did we had electric and then AC problems. I joked that I shouldn't even mention them coming..all of Ashland could lose electric!
I put the comforters in the big machines and headed off to do some errands. When I came back to put them in the dryer the attendant was walking around on his cell. He stopped when he saw me and said he had some bad news...oh no, now what. You will not believe this. He tells me that the laundromat is out of power...in fact the whole city of Ashland is out of power. Yep, I said those famous words.."Are you kidding me?" He wasn't. In fact Mansfield and Ashland and about 4 other little towns were out. I guess a transformer blew due to overuse of AC. The funny thing was our house was fine. I gave a big thank you to God for that blessing! I took my stuff and ran for home and they dried nicely out in the crazy heat. I promise not to have any get togethers for a while until my power outage curse is over..I didn't realize I was so powerful!
Now here's a face we don't see enough of. Little Sophie is a crack up! She's got those big blue eyes and curly hair and the funniest little looks and actions. It was great to have them here.
Katie had a big smile for the camera even though she was not feeling 100%. She had a sore throat and later that night was running a fever. They've done a ton of traveling this summer and I think she picked up a virus somewhere along the way. But she's a trooper and we never heard a complaint out of her.
One of Craig and our son Jack's good friends from high school recently moved back to this area with her husband and 5 kids. They all got together at our house after spending some time with the kids at the Kroc center water park. We ate lunch and sat around talking about escapades from their school days. We laughed and I marveled at what great people they've turned out to be. It's hard to believe those days have come and gone so fast.
All the kids enjoyed watching a movie and getting to know one another. It was so hot out and they had already spent the day at the water park and were ready for some quiet time. Even though we had 12 kids there, they were so good you never would have noticed!
Homemade chocolate icecream was a hit. Sophie's shirt took the bigger hit though.
Cameron kept asking to make brownies, so he and Sophie and I whipped up a batch. We served them with homemade icecream..good choice Cameron! He and Sophie enjoyed helping but I think they liked the spoon licking more!
Amy and I put together shish kabobs..they were delish! Craig did the grilling and they came out perfect. I should have taken a pic of them all skewered up..they were so pretty! The yummy fresh tomatoes and sourdough Italian herb bread we picked up at the farmer's market in the morning. Mmmmmm.
One last big smile from Taylor...he loves angry birds!
I had to head off to church and the kids had to head back to Michigan. Poor Katie was feeling pretty low..sick and a bit feverish. I talked to the kids this evening after they got home and she was feeling better. Hope so..I feel awful for sick kiddos when they have to travel. But we enjoyed seeing everyone and I'm glad they were able to make it.

17 comments:

acorn hollow said...

you do have the power or lack of power. what a busy time but looks and sounds like it was a lot of fun.
Cathy

Kim said...

I always suspected you were a "power"ful woman. Holy cow.....LOL
You were a powerhouse to entertain all those people AND 12 kids at once.

Mrs Catch said...

What a great family get-together. I love it! We have them at our place too. In fact a brother and sister-in-law and kids have just returned to Hong Kong. Missing them already. Great fun. You got some good photos here. Wonderful memories.

Stacy said...

What a great time. The food looks wonderful. I'm glad you didn't have to lose power and AC after you just got them back.

Kristy said...

Katie is seriously the cutest child ever! So adorable. I'm happy you got to have a great family get together. Now, single son, hook me up. You'd be the best mother in-law. I am willing to marry someone to be in your family haha :) xx

karen said...

What a fun gathering with all the kids! I had no idea you held so much power over mass outages in your neck of the woods. I'll be more respectful from now on...

Susan Anderson said...

Laundry is exactly what I'm going to be doing here. It really piles up.

Isn't it fun getting the family together?

=)

Sandi said...

I was just sure that you'd lose power at home again, too! So glad that your house was spared, at least! What fun pictures of your family and friends. I know how nice it is to see those kids when they don't live around home anymore!

MunirGhiasuddin said...

It must have been a lot of fun. I am glad that Katie is feeling better. Yummy food and home made icecream - - - wow the kids must love you. You must love to entertain:)

Bonnie said...

The best part of baking brownies is licking the spoonful of batter afterwards. I know it's totally unsafe and not healthy, but it tastes SO FRICKIN' GOOD.

http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88

The Blonde Duck said...

Popped in to say hi! It looks like a great time! I love family get-togethers in the summer!

Darlene said...

I could hardly believe it when you got back to the laundromat to find out your comforters wouldn't dry because of a POWER OUTAGE! What is happening in your neck of the woods? I'm glad you didn't get that at your house though.

It sounds as if you had a perfectly glorious time with your visiting family. Your grandkids are so darling. I'm so glad everything went so well and that you had power all weekend!!

Hilary said...

I'm glad the outage didn't affect you beyond the drying stage of the laundry. Those kidlet faces are just beautiful.

Deb Shucka said...

Glad you had such a nice visit with your family. It's a little weird about all your electrical issues this summer. There's making for a great novel there, I think.

Donna said...

That Sophie...couldn't you just eat her up?? Each pic of her is just adorable!! She is looking just like Katie! Glad all the kids had fun together and I now how you love to see them and have them all together!! Glad you got your AC back...me too!!

Kerri said...

What's up with you and the power?! Looks like a great time with your family in town. Kroc water park? Is that in Ashland?

Amy and Craig said...

Thanks for having us Mommo!!!