My family has now gone back to their homes. 

All went very well - except for the stitches my 3 yr old nephew got on his chin when he fell down the stairs the 1st night they were here.  He actually didn't seem too phased by it.  He played just as hard as before the accident.  Something tells me these will not be his last. 

It was so wonderful to have such little ones around especially all family.  Chorus' of "dad", "mom","aunt", "uncle", "grandma" & "cousin" were sung all day & into the night.  The age range of our little get together (22 total) was 18mos. to 70 yrs old.

My hubby & I just got back from a late night dinner.  We were able to reflect on all the activities over this past week.  We feel so blessed to have been able to host everyone.

One of my favorite moments (& there are quite a few!!) was when one night several of us were out on the chaise lounges by the pool.  The kids had all gone to bed (the younger ones anyway).  My mom had spotted the 1st star of the night.  My hubby had lit some tiki torches.  It was peaceful & perfect.  As we were talking & marveling about the day I said "Wouldn't it be so very cool to have fireworks going off right over head?"  We all agreed that that would just be the very best way to end the day.  Sure enough as if on cue fireworks began to explode in the sky just over head.  We ooohed & aaahed for well over 20 minutes.  We have never had this kind of display by our house before.  (It turned out that someone a block over from us was having a party & apparently had a permit for a large fireworks display)  We thanked God for the show as we felt He orchestrated the moment just for us.

The 4th of July day was another I will not soon forget. That evening we all piled into a caravan of cars & headed to a lake nearby.  We were able to get our favorite spot (which gets harder to do each year).  The older kids played botchie (sp?) ball as the adults spoiled the younger ones with hugs & tickles & walks to the playground.  The fireworks were wonderfully entertaining made more so by the looks of awe in the little ones faces.

Now that they are all gone it feels so quiet.  I have something left behind from each one of them that I will be sending back to them.  As I pack up their stuff to send I am hoping that when they receive it they will hold fast to a fond memory of their trip here.

Then of course there are the pictures to share & remember till the next time we can get together.