Day 3 Aunt Fern Party

So, friday was the Family Party at Mac and Fern Belnaps, Mom's aunt and uncle.
There were quite a few family members there--aunts and uncles, cousins...etc...
Here's Fern.

Edith.

Fay (a Callahan aunt who married a Despain)...mom comes by her looks honestly...don't you think!

Fern has done a lot of family history. She always has great stories to share. She showed us some dishes from some of the greats.

Tim in the corner, cousin Susan in the middle.

Carl, mom's cousin serenaded us throughout the day. He's very musical but just picked up the guitar on November. He was incredible. btw the sunglasses are for his blindness, not 'cool factor!' :)

The three sisters. Great group of women whom I love very much.

Fern showed us some old photos. I took pictures of pictures. didn't turn out grea, but better than nothing.

Grandpa and Grandma like I remember. Jo and Carrie Despain. Grandma's parents.Mom's siblings. I think this is when mom was my age. probably at Grandma's funeral. We realized she was my age, and mom is her mom's age when she passed away.

mom is in the middle with the scarf. remind you of anyone?

Mom's family. She is the one in the middle that looks a little like Hannah. Grandma Onita is the one sitting. Isn't she cute? Fern is the one closest. She's pretty cute too.

While we were in the bedroom looking at photos, Mac was protecting Cutie, while he was sleeping. cutecutecute!

We had a great time reaquainting ourselves. It was a good day.

but while we were visiting, Hannah broke her finger.....rescuing a golf ball! the things big sisters do!

more to come later!

Day 2 Girls weekend

Okay. On day 2 Mom and her sisters had planned a trip to the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens in Woodland, WA. Lilacs were their mom's favorite flower (I think) at least they make me think of Grandma Callahan. It was a bit of a drive, but beautiful....we are in the Pacific Northwest. :)
But, before we left we were treated with Kat's Buttermilk Biscuits. Did I mention she is a southern girl and knows her way around the kitchen? Oh yeah, we also had scrambled eggs and bacon. Soo yummy. I think I am going to have to get some buttermilk and attempt to make them myself.
After breakfast, we loaded up the car and headed out. Ann stayed home after having a horrible night with her allergies. Ted stayed home with the kids. Kas stayed to play with Hannah and Emma and had a great time.
This is near Ted's house. Isn't it gorgeous! We took a tour of the house and then the gardens. Anyone who knows me knows I love all things old...houses, quilts, furniture...etc...so, I really enjoyed the house...and took way too many photos. Here are a few....

Isn't this beautiful? The tour guide in the parlor played piano for us. It was lovely. She also gave a little speil about Hulda Klager and her place. She became a pro at hybrid gardening...and developed beautiful lilacs.

And sold them all over the world. She did some amazing things in her life. cute little rocker....

My sister Jessie, Kat-Ted's wife, and Aunt Deanna.

The kitchen. Isn't that stove beautiful?

Jessie mentioned how this kitchen looks alot like hers. I love the character of old homes.

This house was under flood water for 6 weeks in 1948. here's the water line...

I bought a few raffle tickets for this beautiful quilt. Maybe Kristy will help me get this one too. ;)

Enclosed porch. Sisters, Carrie and Amber.

Did I mention I also love old chairs?

And old beds? Lovelovelove this bed! and do you think that is a bed pan under the bed? And what is the horseshoe shaped thing at the end of the bed?

Wedding dress? beautiful.

Look at these boots.

Look at this gorgeous dress!!!!! I dared Carrie to try it on. It would have looked gorgeous on her. She wouldn't! but we wanted to steal it!

Another gorgeous dress.

I want this trunk. Another thing I LOVE!!!!!! red even. It actually looks alot like mine..except mine isn't red.

and these hats!

I would take this one.

So, this looks like an indoor outhouse. Not sure what it is....Beautiful back deck. Tools in the shed. or garage. and now onto the flowers.... The thing about Lilacs...they are beautiful, but also smell soo wonderful!There were soo many varieties.

I hate to say it...but I did see some fondling as well. soo soft...wonderfully smelling...

And then of course there was a gift shop. with cute things.

Jessie guarded the plants Aunt Deanna bought. We all wanted to get a few, but knew we couldn't transport them with all our luggage and or on the train. Mom did get a few shoots though.

On the way home we stopped at a mexican restaurant for lunch. No photos.

And then that night we had teriyaki salmon, Jessie's jojo's, and probably other things I can't remember. We were thoroughly spoiled. I also made fudge to share. :)

Carrie and I did get our walk in...in hopes of counteracting all the good food we ate.

Portland Girls Trip

Mom and her sisters planned a sisters reunion. They invited their daughters...and 4 of us were able to attend (Lori is too pregnant). We were able to stay at Ted's house near Portland..where we could meet, and or become reacquainted with Ted's new wife, Kat...visit other relatives, and just have fun.
And, we had a great time.
Kas and I went to Centralia thursday morning where we would meet Mom, Amber, Jessie, Ann and Cutie. We gave ourselves enough time to get a little shopping done. Kas got the bright, lime green chucks she's been pining over, and i got a few things. It was good. ;) We don't have many opportunities to shop at the beach. Look at these totally cool benches at the train depot. I want one.

Here they are!
Ann and Cutie off the train..Mom and Amber...

I don't know how I missed a photo of Jessie. But, she also got off the train.

We got something to eat for the road, and then headed to PDX to pick up Carrie! weeeee....so exciting to be around my sisters...and mom...and aunt... I love my family.

Then we headed over to Ted's house. The rest of the night was pretty casual...visiting, eating, hanging out..wonderful.

Carrie and I decided we would get in a good walk every night...to help counteract all the eating we were planning on doing. We got a few miles in, but I felt like such a wimp. aches and pains and all...but good.

I love being from a large family. I love my siblings, especially my sisters. I love their spouses. I love having the opportunity to spend time with them.

I have so many photos, that I decided to make this weekend into a few posts.
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