BACKWARDS

I know this is backwards, but it was so fun to post the pictures of Sherry and Doug Nevers' wedding that I decided the pictures of the day before would have to wait. So this post is out of chronological order, but here they are nonetheless. The first event of that weekend was our surprise birthday celebration for Dad. Although a few weeks early (his birthday is actually Sept. 15th) we knew it would be rare to have all his children there (except John, whose house sale had not closed), so we held a party in the lobby of our hotel.

Here is our dear Dad. We asked him to smile, and he did. See? Look closer.

)Dad was very pleased, but as usual, he looks rather expressionless. The Hoffmans will change that with some of their shenanigans, as you will see below.

Posing for a picture.

Lisa (--five foot one or two inches )mentioned that she felt like a shrimp next to the boys, so they remedied that.

I found everything funny. Blame Lucile, my mom.

Wally, the older, the serious one, and Doug, the younger and witty one. Wally is an incredible reader and writer. His letters to the editor always seem to get published. He was even asked to write a column in a newspaper. He is very concerned about losing the Constitution and is interesting to visit with. Doug, the one who always looks as if he is about to burst out laughing or has a funny comment to share (and he usually does), is an attorney and a fine musician (--he would debate the word fine--) who would play his clarinet all night long if it would feed his family. He loves playing with an orchestra and hopes to land a position again in the future. (He hasn't played with an orchestra since college.)

Sherry and Doug, to be married the following day, arrive later at the party. Are they not radiant together?

More jokes and laughing.

With my three sisters, Judy, Kathleen, and Mary Lou for

the first time since Mom's funeral in 2007. Judy is our political rights rep; she keeps us all in the know of what's going on. She is so generous with her talents and time, and shares her home with Wally and Dad. Kathleen is a retired awesome schoolteacher. She writes songs and musical programs for children at the drop of a hat, and never runs out of ideas. She is our avid conversationalist. Mary Lou, who is reserved and modest, is an award-winning nurse and-- her kids would say-- mother.

My Silver Bear. I just threw in this picture because I liked it.

Kathy's gift to Dad.

Gary can get Dad to come alive with a smile. With sister Lisa.

My brother Wally, with Lisa.

Dad with all his kids. Judy, Wally, me, Doug in back.

Mary Lou, Dad and Kathleen on the front row.

The party ends but the fun goes on with this family. We do love to be together. That's why we are so glad to know families are forever. The older we become, the more we appreciate the fact that we are sealed together and can continue that association in the next world. It brings a great deal of peace and contentment knowing that ordinance has been performed. Families are the best!