Family time is the best time!!!!

A few years ago my mom made a great suggestion!! Instead of struggling to figure out something for Mother's Day and Father's Day, the thing they would like the most is family. OK, family and a little help with there really huge lawn. That is how Family work day was born. I should say family work hours....with so many of us it doesn't take all day. Then we all get to re-connect over a awesome buffet. Here is the whole family after a great day!

Finally!!!, Michael made it to work day!!! He has somehow avoided it in the past...something about school??!! I loved watching mom strain her neck trying to talk UP to Michael!! From now on he must get on his knees so as not to injure grandma's neck. The shortie on the right is Michael's girlfriend Annie, it was nice to have her here today.

The work crew gets started!

Travis somehow has snagged the best job!! He is the official trash hauler. Nancy and Annie working REALLY hard. Don't say anything (I did the hostas.)

Jesse rode up from Vicksburg (71miles) and Dave rode from our house to Hastings and then to mom and dad's with Jesse (42miles.) It was really windy and a tough ride. Dave said Jes pulled him most of the way and Jes paid the price. Does he look like he may have a leg cramp!!! Can you say OUCH!!

Lots of scraps to get rid of so, once you get a burn permit.....up it goes!!

Good thing we have a fireman in the family. Of course we were promised that Dan would be wearing the fireman pants with suspenders only, but all we got was the helmet!!! :(

Lukas made his arrival and the first to greet him was Sami. It was just a little sunny for him, but he loved meeting his cousin.

Then it was off to meet Lindsey and Cody.

Cody got a little help from his mommy (Brenda) to hold Lukas. He kept kissing him and saying he loved him....all together now AWWWW!

Lukas got his first visit with great grandpa. Why oh why did I leave the camera outside? That was a long fast walk to make sure I didn't miss this shot.

Sami finally got her chance to hold Lukas.

Sandra and Dan played monkey in the tree. Dad wanted some pruning done and they were the lucky cutting crew.

Brenda was gracious enough to act as the official griller. She really was a happy girl....I must not have caught this shot at the wrong (right) time.

Hunter kicking back with a brew!! (sprite)

Lindsey wanted her picture with her papa and I was happy to oblige. Love the result!

Hunter LOVES his aunt Mary, and there were NO extenuating circumstances involved!!
Great grandma bought some sidewalk chalk for the kids. They had a great time. I have a nice video, but for some reason today Blogger doesn't want to upload, so I will include it later.

Sami had a special request.....Would I take a picture of her posing in her Cinco de Mayo (sic) hat.

We all had a great time. Like I said anytime you can spend with family is good time. Thank you to everyone for all the hard work. Thanks for all the great food. But most of all thank you all for just being you. We are one lucky family!!!! Oh and thanks Janet for picking such a great weather day!!

Just a quick note for those who are owl follower's:

After a fun day with family we came home, set up the owl watching chairs, grabbed a glass of wine and waited for the owls to make an appearance.

We were rewarded for our efforts. Now we definitely need 3 names!!

Thank you all for sticking with me till the end. I will update the owls later (maybe even this evening.) Oh and I LOVE my new camera, although I haven't figured out all the functions yet and missed some shots!