Father's Day Weekend--June 13-15

The concept of this weekend gathering began when Dennis O'Reilly took a position with the University of North Carolina at Greenville. He and Candy needed some help with their deck in Cincinnati so that they could sell their home there. Rob and his beagle, Hoss, piled in the truck with us and we were off to help out and have a family reunion in Cincinnati. Talking with Dad after that nice week that we had had, Dad said that he didn't know when that could possibly happen for his family. So the seed was planted! I made 8 phone calla to all the brothers and sisters after that conversation and June began to look like a good possibility for a reunion. So I made 8 more phone calls and we all decided that Father's Day weekend was going to be "it"! Imagine that--nine kids, eight spouses, and all but two of the grandkids, their spouses, and the great-grandkids all together--as the song goes, "wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles"! Only Jim Carrillo and his wife, Naomi, and Tommy Welter were unable to be with us. That's sixty-three people that were able to get together!! Then Aunt Pinkie and cousin John Manship and his daughter, Katie, joined us for a couple of the occasions, too.

Our main activities for the weekend were the kick-off picnic and bonfire at our house on Friday. Just by happenstance, our neighbor came by with her horse, Herbie, and gave horse-back rides--a truly unexpected bonus for the adventuresome and observers as well. Saturday was at Jim and Bev's for a double celebration of our reunion and Michelle's graduation. Sunday we were off to a brunch at Mom and Dad's provided by Dori and Rich and followed by Mom's famous sloppy joes! (Our weekend wouldn't have been complete without that!)
Those were the planned activities for all of us but those were filled in with outside activities of: visiting other relatives, the science museum, parks, old neighborhoods, golfing, boat rides, hanging out, making donuts, and eating donuts, of course, riding the lawn tractor, falling in the creek, throwing rocks in the creek and pond, napping, etc. and many, many Kodak moments!
Here it is November and we are still basking in the warmth of that weekend. What a happy idea that was! Thanks, Dad! With love to you all, family--you are SO amazing--Florence

Aunt Marge

Aunt Marge passed away today. We're so lucky she touched our lives. I'll never forget the good conversations and laughter we enjoyed when we were just sitting at the kitchen table drinking our morning coffee until mid-afternoon. I loved every minute we spent together - and there are never enough minutes.

The newest addition to our family

Sara Alam
Born November 7, 2008 at 1:42 p.m.
8 pounds, 1 ounce
21"