Family

David's whole family hadn't all been together in one place since he was two years old, when they were here for his sister's funeral.  So, they were definitely long overdue for a family reunion.  A few of the girls were going to be coming, so we decided to see if we could get everyone to come. . .and it worked!  They were coming from three corners of the US, to the fourth corner.

David's parents had 11 children.  Their 7th child, Pauline, died of Leukemia when she was 3.  Their 10th child, Janet, was hit by a car and killed when she was 7, and their 4th child, John, died of pancreatic cancer when he was 39. This family has known much sorrow!!

There were only the two boys, so it is just David and his seven sisters who are still living.  Several of David's older sisters are probably more like aunts to him, as 3 of them were married before he was born, and he has several older nieces and nephews.

Everyone was invited to our house on the one day that the family could be together.  Most of the girls were just coming for a long weekend, so Sunday was the only full day everyone would be here.  We knew we definitely needed to get pictures, and right away since we weren't sure how long everyone would stay.  All told, 79 people were here.  We were very thankful for a beautiful day, not too hot, not too cold and not raining!!

We got pictures of just the two of them, but this picture was better, so I decided to crop the others out:)  Almost 67 years of wedded happiness!

Back L to R - Kathy, Anne, Lois, Mary, Faith, Marti.

Front - David, Mom, Dad, Karen

All or at least most of the grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchild who were here that day.  There are in total sixty something grandchildren, 130-140 something great granchildren (I think - although that number grows quite fast, so it may be bigger) and 2 great great grandchildren . . . one of which Grandma is holding.

 It's not looking to promising that we'll ever get a 5 generation photo.  The middle generation didn't make it . . .she was here about a month earlier.

And a final picture of the paparazzi there:)

We're so happy that everyone got to come out here.