Reunions, Reunions, Reunions!

I can hardly believe how long it's been since I last blogged. Gosh, we've been busy the last couple of months! Let's see... in September Matt and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. Mom stayed with Joe while we went out to dinner at one of our old haunts. Very nice.

I am declaring October 2007 Family Reunion Month!
On Oct. 8th we drove down to Summerfield, Florida in a straight shot and had a 3 night visit with Matt's parents. They were so busy it felt like we barely saw them. They're still performing in shows, singing in the church choir, Lou plays softball about 3 times/week, is a billiards champion, talent scout, builds sets and I can't even think of everything else they do! Ever since Mary had her knee surgery she's back to dancing and it's wonderful to see them both in such great health and great spirits.

On the 11th of October we drove to Tybee Island, Georgia for a 3-day reunion with my side of the family. I had a chance to see people I've known my whole life, but have been away from for a long time, and a chance to meet folks I've never had the opportunity to meet before. There were 28 of us and we stayed in two side-by-side beach houses. I had a wonderful time and cannot believe the amazing family we have. There are one or more writers, editors, homemakers, poets, painters, teachers, nurses, directors, businessmen, sales persons, students and more. Oh, and I'm pretty sure that there were 28 storytellers. I loved it. We were able to ride in a group to Savannah and visit some of the old homesteads and some of the departed at their final resting place. It was funny and sad, hysterical and tragic, maddening and calming. I am so glad I had a chance to experience those days with my family.

We returned to Maryland on the 14th and resumed family celebrations on the 19th with the wedding rehearsal and dinner for Mark and Melanie. Mark's brother made an incredible meal with course after course of Italian food. The next day were the nuptials. Matt played guitar, accompanying the groom's daughter Erica, for the processional. They were spot on and I'm certain Matt is glad that's over with. He's an amazing guitarist, but does not often play in front of large groups of people. The wedding reception was a blast. So many of Matt's cousins came from out of town. We really enjoyed visiting with them and wish we'd had more time to spend. We're so glad we had a chance to reconnect. Melanie made a lovely bride and we couldn't be happier for her and Mark.

I'm trying to post pictures as fast as I can. If this is your first visit to our blog, be sure to click on the Flickr album to the right. It will take you to our entire collection of pictures. A lot of them have not been edited, and I'm not a professional photographer, but hopefully you'll get a nice glimpse of our lives. Thanks for stopping by. Please post comments, start threads, send a little email or snail mail, whatever you're comfortable with.