Family Celebrations

 Many families gather in the summer to have a family reunion.  It can be a time to reconnect with cousins, aunts and uncles, siblings and so on.  Our family hasn't done that in a while.  We've had gatherings for funerals..my mom's and my brother Greg's. Those occasions of sadness can be made more joyful by the sharing of memories and the support and love of those of us left to carry on.  But don't we all prefer the happiness of a great party instead?  Well, last weekend we traveled to Chicago to have a joyous gathering of family and friends at my sister's home.  She went above and beyond, with the help of her kiddos, to make it really wonderful.  Even the weather cooperated! Rain was forecast but the sunshine won out! It was a 2-day event.  Friday, we had Mexican night (although none of us are Mexican! We just love the food!)  and Saturday was Greek day and night! And we are Greek and also enjoy that food!  We had about 100 or more attend. 
The first night the food was catered but Saturday my sister and I made most of the grub with part of it bought from a Greek restaurant.  Many of the family brought desserts, and appetizers, and drinks.  So, we all shared a part as we all also have a part we play in a family. Tribute was paid to past generations in the form of photos, memories shared and even some things that were given to anyone who wanted them.  Those "things" were in the form of written family history books that were done by my sister for a reunion many years ago.  There were blankets that were made by my grandmother when she was a young person in Greece.  Those blankets finally found a home to those who wanted a little bit of family history and I'm sure my mom and her mom were smiling from above to know they were going to good homes! Here's just a few pics of those days.  I have more on my "real" camera but have to find a way to get the SD card printed.  Anway, as always just a glimpse of our fun!

My sister's new pool got a cute new deck built by her son, Bill.  It was well used by the kids on that hot weekend.  Even a few of us adults enjoyed a dip in it after the kids were gone!

Bill also built this little bar area.  It was a great shady place to sit until the splashing began.

Tables with umbrellas were set up in the yard but on the driveway a big tent and enough tables and chairs to sit 100 was the place to be to enjoy all the food.

This was taken before all the decorations were up.  We had decorations for Friday that had a Mexican theme and then redid it all for Saturday for a Greek theme! I'll have to get my other pics done to show that transformation.  My nieces really did a great job of putting all that together.

Here's shot from a different angle with Annabelle checking it all out.

My niece Katie is a police officer and this is Bandit, the police station comfort dog.  He and Annabelle had a cute little greeting.  Reunions aren't just for humans I guess!

Jack holding the trusty level and my nephew Eric. They had to level the port-a-potty.  Hey, with 100 or more folks, it's a must have! Worked well with all the kiddos!

Hi Ella!

Midge's yard looks so cute and festive. She really did a good job of making it a special time for everyone.

Even a cute blue and white stripe cabana for changing!

Our son Craig and his older brother, Jack. Let the gathering begin!

My hubby Jack talking with my brother, Jim. Nice hat James!

My brother, Phil and the back of his wife, Cilla.

Our son Jordan and his girlfriend, Brittany and her little girl, Hailey.

Lots of kids in the front yard playing volleyball. We even had a band playing Friday night but I couldn't get the video to load here.  Oh well, it was loud and fun anyway!

These are just little snipits of our fun weekend with family and friends.  It was so well put together and a truly great time.  My sister even put together baskets of goodies for everyone who was staying in a hotel.  She's amazing.  Thanks sis for the best reunion ever!

Speaking of hotel...Annabelle enjoyed her stay too! I think we wore her out!  I hope everyone had a great July 4th.  Ours was quiet but nice.  Annabelle wasn't fond of the neighbors having their own fireworks but thankfully that's all done now!