Christmas

The day started at noon, but we decided to pretend like it was Christmas morning. Everyone came over in their "jammies" and we served breakfast food....delicous! We had a wonderful day with the whole family. Unfortunately didn't get many pictures. Above - Papa and I.

Jodi and Justin

The Preheims

Matt, Casi, Reed and Jack

Surprise!!!!!!

In November my sister, Diane (a.k.a. Jamie) had a milestone birthday. Well we couldn't let it go unnoticed or uncelebrated so her beautiful daughters, my beautiful daughters, my crazy brother and others got together to throw her a surprise party here in Denver. As usual, Diane and Peter (her husband) came out for Thanksgiving. It was not possible for our whole family to get together on Thursday so we told Diane that we would have a relaxed family gathering the next day at my brother Joe's house. Little did she know that when she walked through that door she would be greeted by daughters, son-in-laws, grandsons, sisters, brothers, neices, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins! What a blast we had. As you can see from her face she truly was surprised! It is a remarkable that she was surprised as we started planning this big event in May when I hooked up with Leigh in Ft. Lauderdale and from that time nobody "spilled the beans".

We had lots of great food!

And Casi got this gorgeous, delicous cake!

Diane's girls (and their families) flew out to Denver to be a part of the festivities. Sad as it is, many years had passed since we last saw Kristen, Leigh and Rondi. But I have to say....they are gorgeous! And funny and smart! It was a blast to spend time with them again!

Casi

made a

beautiful book

about Diane

for Diane!

Rondi had way too much fun opening the champagne!

Brother Joe giving a toast....notice Granma - not too happy about the champagne ;>)

We can't possible get together without getting a picture of the siblings. We haven't change much! LOL

Jodi wrote a beautiful tribute to Diane which was read by my granddaughters, Sara and Boo (a.k.a. Anna)

"The Girls" - starting in back Casi, Jodi, Rondi, Kristin, Leigh, Diane and me!

Diane's "Boys" Taylor, Tyler, Scott (Rondi's family), Peter (the husband) and Jeff (the newest member of our crazy family married to Kristen recently in Miami

Kristen, Rondi and Leigh outside of Casa Bonita

I knew after all this fun and merriment that someone would end up in trouble....I just never thought it would be my grandsons Jack and Leo! We must find a way to raise the bail money!

It's Been A While....

.....since anything has been posted. But before I share more of what has been happening with the Fruit of the Loons in general, I must digress to the Halloween posting. How I missed this picture I'll never know. I told you that after a few hours of taking care of the little goblins at our house we went to JoJo's football game. The Panther's were in rare form and played a great game. Then there were the family members....what can I say, we truly are "Loony"! This is my brother Joe, my neice Caitlyn (what a hottie!) and Joe's friend....I don't remember his name. We had a great time and you should have seen the look on JoJo's face when we he saw his Dad at the fence to give the team a high five after the game. Kiss - watch out!