After our short hop from Spokane to Seattle we met up with two of our kids for our flight to Dallas.
Once in the Dallas area we gathered at Steve and Lana’s just a short drive from our hotel. We had dinner, swimming and catching up with friends and family. A houseful and a pool full.
We gathered again on Saturday morning and for our son’s signature breakfast dish.
We enjoyed a great time of singing some old hymns before the twins opened a few presents.
Addy created some birthday artwork signed by both Addy and JJ for their Great Auntie and Great Uncle. We gifted them each with a podstakannik that our parents brought with them from the old country with glasses from our Aunt Anna.
~Soon it was time to head back to our hotel to get ready for the big event on Saturday evening. I’ll share photos from the party on Monday.
We arrived back home late on Tuesday of this week and are recovering from the great time we had. Laundry is done and now I need to mow our acres! We are still in the middle 90’s for temps here but it feels cool compared to our time in Texas. Morning temps in the upper 50’s and low 60’s have been great for morning chores! We have some smoke in our skies from fires still. Hope all is well in your corner.
While we were away I was saddened to read that our great bloggy friend, Vee at A Haven for Vee had been called home to heaven on July 23rd. Vee was such a wonderful bloggy friend. Her comments always made me smile. She had a way of reading between the lines and leaving such meaningful comments. She noticed things that others missed. The Mennonite Girls Can Cook even credit our name to one of her comments! Vee, we will miss our encounters with you but rejoice that you are with our Savior and LORD!
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
There is so much joy in these photos! It looks like everyone had a wonderful time.
What a great trip and fun times with the family. Wonderful family photos and happy new memories. Take care, have a happy day and happy weekend!
Hi Ellen,
What a fun visit and you did have a full house! I love those Russian tea glass holders; some amazing, beautiful things were crafted in Imperial Russia, weren’t they? It looks like your party was off to a great start. 🙂 Glad you had such a memorable visit!
Have a lovely weekend.
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
…you sure have a partying family.
Oh Ellen,
I meant to comment on our dear friend Vee’s passing. I miss her already. She had quietly bowed out from the blog world a few months ago, but I didn’t realize her cancer had progressed so far. It makes me so sad for her family and for all of us, but she is free of pain and worry now and reunited with her loved ones. She was such a true-blue blog buddy and encouraged all of us just by visiting and commenting daily. I will miss her for a long time.
Hugs to you,
Denise at Forest Manor
Denise, it’s amazing our parents were able to bring a few treasures (very few) out with them when they escaped Russia.
How fun to celebrate all together! Love the tea glass holder.
Now that is a Texas size birthday celebration! The tea glass holder is extra special, for we do love our tea here in the south!
Mary, that Mason-Dixon Iced tea was a game changer at the Silos in Waco!!
I better check it out!!!!
What a wonderful celebration and reunion of family!!! There’s nothing quite like all being together for such an occasion. You have such a rich and “goodly” heritage my friend!
Yes, our dear Vee has gone to her heavenly home “A Heaven for Vee” it is now!!! I will truly miss her meaningful comments and stories.
I love that, Rosella, A Heaven for Vee! Thank you my friend.