There were over 40 people (counting kids) that made John's birthday celebration. Actually it was his THIRD party of the week. I don't know how we are going to dial back his expectations for subsequent parties.
Almost everyone came. We'd have had perfect attendance if Kevin and Jenn knew how to pack a suitcase. More on that later. Anyway, Joey announced he would attend at the last minute and really shone the spotlight on Newton Newlyweds'(?) absence. By the way, they live the closest of anyone. Meanwhile others made it from Virginia, New Jersey, and New York.
First up is the performance of Kevin's family. After a quick tour of Hull (one town too far), Vanda arrived with Nana and Grandpa. DrMark showed up a little before him mother and DrTom just before the prodigal son. So, I did forget to "lock" the door at 2:30 and the Tardiness Award was, as usual, another intra-clan contest from the WB family - excepting MoMerk.
Now, about the WB family. Upon arrival, Vanda went right into the dessert dishes whilst the Doctors devoured appetizers. Methought, "Why so ravenous less than 24 hours after Thanksgiving?"
Apparently they all thought the appetizers were the main course. As I put the pasta out, Vanda asked, "You're serving dinner?"
No Vanda, I had everyone drive out an hour and forty minutes for chips, dip, and cake!
Okay, enough of them, for now.
For the record, dinner was pasta bolognese, orzo with roasted vegetables, chicken cutlets, and a salad provided by Helena.
John took some time to warm up to his guests. The little brat told me, amidst a full house, that he "wanted everyone to go home".
He came around after 90 minutes or so.
For many of us, it was our first chance to see EmilyGrace. What a doll!
UncleTim still has the touch (link). This reminds me of the reactions UJ provoked from Sarah when she was around 2 years young. Was it the handlebarred mustache? Today, it must be UT's bio-organic Woody Woodpecker do.
Is Kelly practicing? Where is her drink? Okay, let's not start any rumors...
Peetah, still trying to shake off his rep (see the end of this post), actually was the first one to arrive. Though he may have also taken a quick tour of Hull - we just have no proof as of yet.
Even after inhaling a couple dozen lard-ridden appetizers, DrMark still had room for a "peaked" plate of food. He really ought to consider a personal appetite management system, no?
Nice shoes!
Now for the videos. Make sure you read the descriptions posted on YouTube.
I want to thank everyone for coming, eating, and imbibing. John had a blast and we very much appreciate all who made the long haul to the South Shore.
It seems Kevin has been found. No doubt the "groupie" screaming so loudly is Jenn.
I actually don't think it was that bad. What do y'all think you'd look like singing Bon Jovi up on stage?
What's bad, however, is that Kevin has nominated himself "BigDaddy"!
He has no kids and he's not nearly the BIGGEST in WB clan.
Plus it sounds stupid.
As for planning a Christmas get-together, I won't be around until the 25th. It may be tough to do something after that but I will tease the idea around. Perhaps you guys should do something on the Saturday or Sunday before without us.
Ok, well I am just going to ignore that video of the Mean Aunt that my brother posted a week ago....here is one with the best Aunt and her little ones!
Also, a quick update on Maddie. She got her first winter hat last weekend and we just had to take a picture for everyone to see. She is also starting to eat her rice cereal (although we don't think that she is a big fan of it just yet). She is rolling over like a pro, but can't get back onto her back from her stomach....instead she gets very frustrated until one of her parents flips her over.
Maddie is getting on her first plane tomorrow to go out to Phoenix and visit her cousin Sienna. We are driving down to Mexico for Thanksgiving and going to stay at Aunt Maggie and Uncle Ryan's new condo on the ocean....we can't wait! Hopefully we'll have more pics to post when we get back!
I know this post is way past due...it's time for an update on Sienna!
As far as milestones go, over the past several weeks Sienna has started rolling over, laughing, holding her head steady, and discovering that she has her own little voice! She gets so excited when she hears herself talk... Of course we think she has the voice of an angel!
Sienna is becoming a little social butterfly- she is aware of other babies and children. She enjoyed spending time with Emily and Kent's children, Brennan and Logan, on their recent trip to visit from Santa Barbara.
Sienna has become an avid sports fan! She loves all of the sounds and lights at the games and so far has attended an AZ Diamondbacks/Colorado Rockies baseball game, and 3 Phoenix Suns basketball games too! She even has a Suns shirt to wear to the games - although it is already getting a little tight : )
Sienna has already begun her foreign language studies! Our nanny, Maria, speaks solely in Spanish to Sienna while she watches her when I am at work mon-weds...and Ryan and I are brushing up on our spanish too! She just loves to hear the melodious sounds of Maria talking to her!
Here are some more pictures of little miss Emily. She is doing really well. I have to say so far she is a great baby, she even lets me sleep a little :)
