Family Ties... and about 1000 pictures.

We spent this last weekend down at the lake, visiting with our families. Both my dad and my little brother are home from the Middle East - at the same time! - so it was almost like a family reunion. My siblings and my dad/stepmom haven't all been together in so long... I really can't even remember the last time. Hanging out at my dad's house is so comfortable and laid back - it always involves lots of yummy meals, lots of competitive gaming (washers, spoons, darts, you name it). I'm always sad to leave.

We also had a BBQ at my moms house, where some of her neighbors came, as well as Jason's parents. Good times!

Here are some pictures from our weekend...

4 Generations of short women
(L to R, my sister, my grandma, my mom (holding C), and me)

Charlotte and her favorite aunt, my little sister, Ashley.

Just a cute baby I found on the side of the road.

Ashley was changing Charlotte into her pajamas, and Charlotte decided to run away.

Yay! Grandpa Mike's making breakfast! And coffee!!!!

Sleeping in GrannyKat's (my stepmom) arms

Get two guys (and their testosterone) together, and they like to practice their 'moves'. My dad was a police officer for 20+ years, and my brother is military... it's a whole weekend of who can "take who down". Despite the look on Brad (my brother)'s face, it is all in good fun - and usually pretty entertaining, but man! They get rough.

See - they still like each other.

Charlotte and Nana (Jason's mom)

Grandpa Mike, can I eat your pancake?

GrannyKat & Charlotte


Look at the fat rolls on that arm!! She's filled with mashed potatoes.


She chews on her hands and arms 24/7 now.


Aunt Ashley wearing Charlotte in the babyhawk.



And just for giggles...

While going through some stuff, I came across a picture of myself, in the hospital, just after I was born. I'd noticed how similar Charlotte and I looked at that age before, but I thought that the resemblance was uncanny in these shots. I wonder what she'll look like when she grows up...