80 years of papa!

St. Patrick’s day proved to be better than any other as we traveled to Arizona to celebrate Papa Bill’s 80th birthday. Fun is an extreme understatement! I feel so lucky to be a part of this family. If I could pick my relatives, these people are exactly who I’d chose. We shared so many good times – and wine, and cake, and Italian food – and made a collection of fantastic, new memories. Happy, happy birthday, Papa!!

birthday party reunion

My little brother was just in town for a surprise birthday weekend! He turned TWENTY-FIVE on the 2nd of November and was gifted a plane ticket right into Minneapolis. Thankfully, the gracious giver (i love you Alyson) gifted herself with  a ticket as well which was a treat for everyone. Dad was able to drive on home from his current living quarters in Nebraska (where he’s building the new Corn Huskers Stadium) and the rest of us residing from Golden Valley to Stillwater came together for a giant family weekend! Take all that and add in my baby sister’s 5th birthday and you get:

1. Great food
2. Better company
3. A giant sleepover
4. Our first family photo since Addison was born (aside from sweaty wedding pics)
5. Lots of Polly Pockets + an Easy Bake Oven

Needless to say we had a great time being together. It was so nice to all be in one place at one time without any major life events going on. I loved every minute of it and am so thankful for these people and the way we’ve come to be.