Happy Monday, friends! Let’s take a glance back at the weekend that was.
It started with a great Friday afternoon with Jackie. He’s so much fun these days, making all kind of animal noises, identifying things in the grocery story (bananas and cheese), and singing (in his own fashion) along to his favorite songs. His current jam includes Baa Baa Black Sheep and Mamma Mia.
Once our little muffin was delivered home to his Mama, though, it was grown up time, aka Friday Night Snack (and cocktail) time. We thought we were done with fires for the season but it was chilly enough Friday evening to get one going. It always makes things feel extra cozy when we have that orange glow as a backdrop to our evening.
On Saturday Dale did yard work and I hung around, reading and sorting through some clutter. In the evening we headed in to Boston to meet up with Kim and Ken as they were in town for the weekend. We had a terrific meal at Legal Harborside and then spent the rest of the night hanging out in their hotel room. We haven’t seen them since last fall so it was really great to catch up, share some wine and laughs, and make some plans for summer vacation.
On Sunday we hosted a family gathering of Dale’s siblings (minus his brother Glen, who lives on the other side of the country) at our house. The idea of doing this was born one Friday night a month or so ago. Dale and I were catching up, as we do on Friday nights, and we were talking about how we just don’t see his brothers and sister all that much. Before I could talk myself out of it I looked at our calendar, picked Sunday April 28th, and sent a group text to get the ball rolling.
It was a simple gathering and everyone brought something to share and we had a great time just . . . hanging out. There was no holiday pressure. None of our kids were there. It was just a bunch of siblings who truly, really love each other and enjoy each other’s company. We reminisced and told stories, we laughed and shared silly little details of our lives, we ate simple food and just encircled ourselves in family love. I know it was a success because when the evening was over Dale looked at me with tears in his eyes and thanked me for bringing everyone together for a little while. You can bet we’ll be doing it again soon.
And that’s my weekend recap. Hope you had a good one, too.
Loved reading about the Julius sibling reunion. Reminded me so much of same times spent with my 5 siblings. Out of the six of us only my sister and I are left. Thoughts of those get-togethers are still so fresh in our hearts and minds. Memories time cannot erase. Jack must have had a wonderful time.
How wonderful that you were able to gather the siblings and spend a relaxed evening together! And . . . of course, seeing Kim and Ken, too. What a great weekend, Carole. (And I love that Jackie is singing Mamma Mia. How adorable is that?!!?) XO
Sounds like a wonderful weekend, Carole. It requires so much energy to get people together, and then it is such a pleasure! I did a little family entertaining myself this weekend, and it was fun and worth the trouble. Like you, I plan on doing it more often in the coming months. I hope you have a wonderful start to a great week.
Jackie, snacks, and seeing Kim are all great, but it’s really wonderful that you could get all the siblings together. Too often this only happens (too late) at funerals but it’s really wonderful that you made time to hang out and enjoy each others’ company.
The weekend sounds beautifully relaxing, but still full of fun, family, and food! A Carole weekend!
Just like Kenny Chesney sings…That’s the good stuff. Especially that dinner.
Your sibling get together was the bomb. It made me want to organize a get together of my sibs!
Aw, I just teared up a little myself reading this! I think the sibling dinner sounds like a great thing, and even more so without the pressure of a holiday or event.
That sounds like a very good weekend. The family gathering sounds great! How wonderful to just pick a date and get everyone together! I cherish holiday gatherings, but these impromptu meetings can be so much more fun.
Sounds like you had a great weekend. I love those family get togethers where everyone tells stories about each other. So fun!
Oh Carole – I LOVE that family gathering you hosted! … I’ve been thinking about all the gatherings we have in my family and wanting to document them better. photos. recipes. even the details about who’s there and where they’re living right now. … no pressure 😉 but have you thought about any of that?
…because of course I’d love to have your thoughts … and expertise!