A Haven for Vee

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

A Family Fourth

It was a different sort of a 4th of July for our family and a very good one. 



For longer than I care to count, my family has been planning a get-together with dear and long-time friends of ours. Get-togethers used to be oh so simple when we were just two young couples and our children. With the passing of time, eight have become 20. Another daughter born, and four of the five children now married with children of their own. So today was a happening. It was just what the grandsons 
























needed — lots of kids and lots of fun. Auntie Laurel simply stretched her wings and became an auntie for the day to all the kid crowd. She does love to plan fun things for children and then she plays, too, which they really love. There was water balloon fun, wiffle ball, streamer tag, walks to see the ocean and the ospreys, and a great game of kickball that even the grown-ups participated in. Well, not the oldest generation of grown-ups. Instead, we sat around chatting about our lumbago. ☺





Good thing that my friends and I left it with the kids to arrange. That, obviously, made it more likely to happen. Facebook made it easy. It really was a great day and I am so happy that nearly all made it. Only one had another engagement that could not be missed. I am also sorry that John missed it because how he would have loved it, too.





37 comments:

  1. Glad you had a good time and that the family kept you entertained! I am sure that John was there in spirit! xx

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  2. A big and happy gathering of old friends and family is good for the soul and I'm sure John was there among you in spirit. All the planned activities looked like fun, haha even comparing aches and pains can bring laughter, can't it?

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  3. Looks like a wonderful reunion and celebration.

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  4. I am pretty sure that John was there in spirit, sweet friend. I am so glad you got out and about and spent times family and friends. smiles

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  5. Soo glad you had this wonderful celebration!

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  6. It certainly lifts your mood to watch children having fun! And being with family and friends is perfect. Have a good week my friend. Hugs, Diane

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  7. It's great for everyone, for every generation, to have this kind of family gathering for celebration. It sounds as though Laurel did a great job coordinating things. And surely John was there in spirit. God bless you all, Vee.

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  8. So happy your family got together for the holiday Vee! Must have lifted your spirits! Have a lovely week!

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  9. So glad you had a great celebration. Those friendships forged over the years endure and encourage.

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  10. Family gatherings are so special. Yours looks wonderful with the children and adults enjoying themselves. Your daughter must be a special gal to plan all the activities and then play with the kids. I hope she works with children as her vocation.
    I hope you are well and doing okay, my friend. ♥

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  11. I am so glad your family mostly all were able to get together! I know how hard it can be with large families! Your gathering looks like a lot of fun!

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  12. What a special 4th you had. I'm so glad that it was a wonderful day for you all!

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  13. I'm so glad you were surrounded by family and friends, that has to help a bit. We had a really small gathering this year and it was unusual for us. When the kids move away it gets so much harder to get everyone together. I'm hoping next year we can do better. I am glad you had a happy day!

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  14. How nice to celebrate the 4th with such a large family gathering! Looks like a wonderful time Vee!
    Linda

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  15. What a fun time for everyone, just when you all needed something like that. Glad Auntie Laurel came through for the kids. Thanks for sharing your celebration Vee.

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  16. Oh what fun! There is nothing better than to be surrounded by family dear loved ones during holiday celebrations. I bet John enjoyed his birds-eye view of your sweet gathering too.

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  17. So glad Vee that you had a nice 4th. So sweet to gather with family and make lots of memories. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  18. So nice that you were finally able to get this group together. The shelter looks like a nice spot to sit and eat together. Also ideal for the "lumbago" discussion. Ha! Haven't heard that word in awhile.
    I have no doubt that Auntie Laurel was very popular that day.

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  19. Hugs to you sweet Vee. So glad you had a nice day.

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  20. Sounds like you had a good time with family and friends! That's what it's all about!

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  21. It sounds like it was a great day for everyone, Vee, Those grandkids are so blessed to have an Auntie Laurel! Think of you so often.
    Hugs, and prayers,
    Love,
    Sue

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  22. So hard have a gathering the first time after loosing a loved one. But you all support each other. That's what it's all about.

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  23. What a wonderful day you had! I'm so happy that this worked out for you all. We had rain most of the day but it was a good one anyway, but you had lovely weather!

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  24. Looks like a great gathering. Glad most everyone came together.

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  25. I'm sure this was a balm to your soul, sweet Vee. Looks like everyone enjoyed themselves!

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  26. Nothing heals like hugs of family and close friends, and hearing the sound of children's laughter. So happy you had a fun 4th, Vee. Big hugs! ♥

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  27. Sounds like a great day for you. Glad you enjoyed it. : )

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  28. A celebration! So happy to see you continue in celebrating LIFE! I feel certain John was smiling......

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  29. So glad you had a good 4th, Vee. Visiting with friends and family is balm for the soul.

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  30. What a delight that you were able to meet with old friends, enjoy fellowship, and watch the children (and Auntie Laurel) play!! I know that John would have enjoyed himself! (Of course, he is experiencing far greater joys...)

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  31. Being surrounded by family and good friends can be ever so encouraging...I am glad your 4th of July went well.

    Enjoy the remainder of your week. Hugs!

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  32. How he would have loved it... for sure. I'm so glad that you had a good time with so many happy children and friends to share the day with. Yay for the younger generation making plans!

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  33. I know it was bittersweet, but it had to be good for you to be around laughter, smiling faces and lots of activity. Looks like a well-planned and fun day for all.

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  34. ahhh, this is the kind of 4th I remember as a child...lots of cousins..aunts and uncles...games and so so much fun. I'm glad you had a good 4th, Vee

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  35. It looks like such a happy and relaxing holiday get together! I'm sure John would have loved it and would be happy that you did, Vee.

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  36. Looks like you had a lovely time.

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