Celebrating Bumpa!

The troops convened to celebrate Bumpa's Dodrascentenial Birthday (that a fancy word for 75th).  All he really asked for was the family to get together for the weekend in Connecticut.  There were some logistics to schedule around (John's annual backcountry ski and avalanche class that he teaches in Idaho, Kesley's final ball room dancing class, etc.), but we made it happen. 

We did convince him to have a little dinner party, but he otherwise wanted to keep it simple.  His brother and nephew/godson and their wives joined us for an intimate evening of toasting and a little roasting.

The kids were thrilled to be together.  Things are pretty chaotic when they are all under the same roof, but it's fun energy and really sweet to see the various personalities interact. 

And they all love their Bumpa!

Grandma had everything planned perfectly...... decorations, cards, balloons, streamers, cakes, and  flowers.  She didn't miss a single detail.  Unfortunately, she was sick for the entire weekend, so had to rally through low energy, sneezes, and a runny nose.

I dropped John off at JFK airport at 5:45am on Sunday, so he could get to Sun Valley to meet with the students who had all arrived the previous day.  He barely made it in with the weather, but all worked out.  Because I didn't have to be back to work until Wednesday, the kids and I decided to take advantage of some more grandparent time.

We also found time to sneak a few visits in with old friends.  Below, Cally and Hazen were reunited with my dear friend Pixie, from college, and her kids (Jasper and Skylar).

On Monday, the kids and I headed to see Nana and Grandpa.  We decided to take advantage of our family membership to a local science museum and use it to go to the Peabody Museum at Yale on the way. 

The kids love dinosaurs, but Hazen as done checking things out after about 30 minutes.

We made it to Nana and Grandpa's for a short visit.  They always spoil the kids to art supplies, home made food, and lots of snuggles.

On our way back home today, Cally said, "I wish my grandparents didn't live in Connecticut..... It's too far away".  I agree.  It would be wonderful to be able to spend more time with both of their wonderful sets of grandparents who love them so much!