SURPRISE!

How's that for a family picture? (Actually, it was an impromptu picture taken yesterday afternoon--when we were all dressed up, none of us remembered that it was important to document the rarity of everyone being in 1 place!)

This weekend, we were in IL for Andy's Dad's Surprise 60th Birthday Party. EVERYONE was there....that would be 2 parents, 6 children, 3 "in-law" children and 9 grandchildren!

It was a fun, quick trip. Andy's Dad, Jim, was surprised....and one of the best parts (for me!) was the surprise of 1) Ben walking out of the church kitchen to Andy's Dad and 2) The Whipple family then walking out of the church kitchen to Andy's Dad...they came all the way from Colorado! We didn't capture all the photos WE wanted, but here are a few fun ones:

1) Sam and Ellie--the oldest cousins. 2) Ava and Abby--the youngest girls. 3) Molly's 3 boys--we rarely get to see them; it is fun for the girls to get to know them better!1) Scott (Rachel's husband), Ben and Andy. 2) Jimmy and girlfriend Brett. 3) Jayna and Ben "hogging" Colin.



1) Jayna trying to trap Colin--he loved running on the stage! 2) Andy's words on aging... 3) Aunt Faye sharing her wisdom about Andy's Dad.1) Long time family friend Ray speaking about Jim. 2) YUMMY edible fruit bouquet and Jim. 3) Colin....still playing on the stage at the church!


The next day (Sunday), we were so sad to wake up to black skies and pouring rain. The children accepted the fact that there would be NO swimming at Grandma's house. Bummer. However, the weather totally cleared up....and as you can see, there was much swimming.

Andy's Mom ended up getting a little baby pool for Colin--he had been struggling with a little tummy bug and we were very concerned that putting him in the "big" pool might be a bad idea diaper-wise. He loved playing in the "little" pool....as did many of the big kids, as you can see below!

As mentioned, Colin was not feeling 100% great and I was not prepared...not only did we go through all the diapers in 4 hours that I had brought for 2 days, but we had ruined most of Colin's clothes too....and I had to go shopping for some necessities. Hmmmm.....when you are from WI and visiting IL, you just HAVE to get some Chicago Cubs attire! Colin thought it was pretty cool that Andy had a matching design on his shirt....
Above: The Cubs Fans (no, Andy did not spill on his shirt--he had just helped remove the pool cover outside!) and then the "little" children who were not allowed out by the pool until it was ready!


Those of you who know Uncle Ben know that he is nuts about kids. He was on cloud nine when Colin happily took to him and didn't require his usual warming up time. As you can see, Uncle Ben is also very strong...and loved by everyone! We miss Ben!


And then.....after a long day (weekend!), when your mom MAKES you stop swimming....all you can do is cry cry cry and ask to watch the Wiggles. Uncle Jimmy happily stopped doing what he was doing and found the Wiggles on TV for Colin...and within minutes, this is what happened:

What a fun weekend with everyone!