Monday, July 19, 2010

Family....

Yesterday the whole family came home for my birthday (today). Each year gets a little more poignant and I am amazed and touched by more reflections of life and the years. I remember leaving my parents home in Chicago many times and as my mother got older, she started to cry as we left each time. While it touched me and I knew I would miss her too, I didn't fully understand...until now. Now I "get it". As the kids leave, I, too, find myself misty eyed and often in between. There are so many precious moments that you know are so special ~and so fleeting. You see your life flash in your mind before your eyes...your children growing up so fast, the funny things they say, a look between you and then, especially when your parents are gone, -the fragility of life. These are the moments you want to hold forever.


Emma and her momma the kids playing...

the cute cakes that Lori brought....

Uncle Tim & Aunt Joni with baby Emma...

-she is too much fun to play with! She "talks" to you now, smiles easily and has a sweet personality!

Cooper in the playhouse...

and he and Bailey in the pool....

and the tents.
They get along well and it's such a pleasure to just watch them...

Doing art projects...

Emma just chillin'!

Chelsea, Brant and Bryden came a little later just in time for the festivities...

Bailey helping me open cards and presents...Chelsea, so thoughtful, planned a very special one.

Emma and mom...

A picnic for her too!!!

Bryden watched Cooper with cousin Bailey so wanted to play with Emma too but found out that little girls are delicate!

Mike and Bailey

so pensive...

Bryden, loves the pool too!

Patient Joni in the tent with the kids...

Brant and Bryden

It still touches my heart seeing my boys with each other....

They have always been best friends and still fall into that mode when they see each other. It's sweet to watch.
The only thing better, is to see them with their children. What a blessing!

I love a summer day and having family here is the best! Here are little snippets of the day...


4 comments:

yaya said...

You brought a tear to my eye! Happy Birthday! Those kiddos are so sweet. Does Cooper call Bailey B? (my old ears might have heard that wrong)...I smiled at your boys because I know they don't call each other up to find out what they're wearing, but they dressed like the twins that they are! You know how to have a fun Grandma day with all the activities..I'm glad you had a wonderful weekend..now rest!

Donna said...

Cooper calls Bailey..."Bailey" but it sometimes sounds like (and when she says it too) Bai-Wee. Makes me laugh! Yeah, the guys dressed alike...just like you and me the other day!!!

Linda P. said...

Looks like a perfect birthday!!!

Melissa Miller said...

Happy Birthday Donna!

Great photos! The children are all so gorgeous. Love the name Bryden too.

Blessings to you and yours. ~Melissa :)