the holiday

So this past weekend was a busy one! We ventured to Ohio, to my brothers place, where the entire family gathered (except one brother). There was a whole gob of people there. Three of my brothers, their wives. Eight kids. My parents. Ed and I. We all gathered to help build a retaining wall out of railroad ties in the back yard. The menfolk worked from 10 in the morning until 8:30 at night on Saturday and got it all done. Do you think I took any pictures? I sure did! They're on my mom's camera! :) Maybe she'll send them to me. It was a hot weekend. All kids (and Ed) slept outside in tents. I got the bottom bunk in my nephews' room and Alina slept on the floor. The 2nd night she had her first taste of "camping in the tent" and Ed said she slept through the whole night. I was able to have an excellent chat with one of my sister-in-laws about what has happened in life in the past 9 months. And I was finally able to meet her very close friend Kristen (who has a blog...go visit her!!) and her kids I left feeling very encouraged. We headed back Sunday after church and a yummy lunch. Yesterday was errands in the morning, nap in the afternoon and bbq picnic in the evening. It was a great weekend. I'm glad we were able to get away and spend time with family and meet new friends, come home and spend time with family and gather with friends :).