Holiday

Early in August, we flew to Washington for a Casey Family reunion.  Flying across the country with our crew seemed a little intimidating, but I can't imagine it going any better (in spite having to leave the house at 4a.m.) thanks to activity books, movies on phones, snacks, pre-mobile babies (BARELY!), and my ability to lactate!  It was so great to see and spend time with all of my side of the family...we laughed together, we cried together, we talked and talked and talked and had some good ole Casey family competition and made incredible memories together- because that is what we do!  I had expected to come back home to NJ exhausted after two weeks of vacation, but both Josh and I felt quite the opposite on our return.  The three older boys played with cousins all day, every day....mostly out doors in the fresh mountain air of the Northwest and they literally fell into bed every night filthy and exhausted, AND we had all of the extra arms we needed for Ben & Sam- especially helpful with the babies were our two oldest nieces.  I can't even begin to say how fun and special it was to have us all together, and see all 21 grandkids running around.

John Michael, the oldest of the grandchildren playing sports and wrestling with the little ones

Ben and Sam meet grass for the first time.

While in WA, we celebrated my Dad and Linda's marriage with a wonderful mass and outdoor party at their house.  They certainly know how to host a great party.  Their celebration gave us the opportunity to see so many friends and extended family that we haven't seen in years!  After a full day of sun, sweets and running around, many a child was throwing up at the end of the night- it was pretty comical.

Another special day was set aside to remember my mom who passed away 10 years ago, August.  We celebrated a mass for her, then we visited her burial site, and then had ice cream at a fantastic ice cream parlor for lunch in her honor (she was a junk food junkie!), and finally, we went to a park for water fun and play.  I think we all appreciated being together to celebrate, remember, honor, and pray for our dear Mom.

 Our family time was mostly spent just being together, but we did do a few fun activities as well.   One afternoon, all of the men and older boys went shooting guns.  These weren't just guns, they were BIG guns.  I would elaborate, except then I would have to kill you...just kidding, but because I don't know much more than what a bb gun is:) Upon their return, they were excited and a huge cloud of testosterone filled the house as we ladies rolled our eyes and threw back our glasses which were filled with a strong drink of sorts.
We also went to Silverwood, an amusement park, for the day.  There were probably around 60 of us in our group, and we all had a blast.  I had William and the babies with me, and we dominated (along with some other mom's and younger ones from our group) the kiddy rides!  Will was such a champ, and was willing to try all of the rides.  He found a few that he did not like at all, but finished them out, and kept all of his lunch in his stomach.  I have to say, some of those kiddy rides are not so kiddy.   More excitement from our day at Silverwood when I get to Sean's Bday.

My sister took this video of my two thrill seekers, Josh and Henry, riding this crazy dropping ride for the second time.  I am glad Josh has a companion for this kind of stuff, because even though I am bound by my marital vow of "in good times (Josh) and bad (Jen)", I am sure that there is some sort of exemption when you disagree on whether or not the situation might be good or bad most especially when the situation is named, "PANIC".  As a matter of fact, I would consider this particular situation insane.

My brother and his family very generously shared their lake home (and lake!) with us.  TONS.OF.FUN!

My only regret of the whole trip was not taking more pictures, but honestly, we were just having too much fun to be standing behind a camera.  I guess the majority of our memories will just have to remembered by us, and shared orally, which just gives us more to talk about next time we are all together.