7.08.2013

Lots of Celebrations!

We celebrated quite a few things over the last week and we are EXHAUSTED, but it has been a wonderful time! We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary on July 4th, celebrated independence day, and had the Oren family reunion.

Jon's Dad has 6 siblings and they grew up on a large farm here in Indiana about 35 minutes from us. The farm is still in production today by his Uncle Greg. It is a great place and I absolutely love that my kids are growing up with frequent visits to the family farm. It's beautiful and has the kind exploring I want my kids to fall in love with.

So here's a little of what we've been up to.

Happy 4th of July

My two babes
I love family gatherings of all kinds. It's always fascinating to me how entire generations and legacies come from two people. Here is Jon's dad (bottom left) and his siblings, minus one who couldn't attend. Their parents, Jack and Nellie, died in a plane crash before all their children's families and grandchildren were created. In the next two pictures is Jon's Great Uncle John and Great Aunt Mary. Uncle John and his wife Aunt Mary basically took over care and oversight of Jon's Dad and his siblings after their parents passed away. They are amazing. They have done a great job keeping the family together. Their lake house is the one we get the opportunity to visit during the summers. 
Evie and her Great-Great Uncle John. She sure loves him. It's because he spoils her so much. 
 Evie waltzin' around with her Great-Great Aunt Mary who was showering her with attention and Evie was lovin' it! 
Uncle Greg, Mekonen, and Owen. He's the oldest sibling and the one running the Oren farm. He is one of my FAVORITE Orens. :) 
All the older cousins and their spouses. So Jack and Nellie's grandchildren. There are 22. Not all were there. 
All the younger cousins, 12 of the 16. 
(All the children of the cousins above).
There were so many childhood memories made this weekend....
catching fireflies...
(with cousin Gillian)
hayrides...
a cousins campout night...
(with cousin Travis)
kickball....
(with Aunt Joan, who has 3 grandchildren and was running around like crazy!)
(with Owen and Helena)
fishing...
(with Boppy and Gillian, and Mekonen in his pajamas)
swinging on the tire swing....
(that's been there since Jon was a kid)
exploring....
non-stop running around....
movie and commercial making....
(i know, I know, it's an Oren gathering thing.haha).
a whole lot of missed naps and late bedtimes...
(Evie saying, "sh, sh, sh" THOSE LIPS!!!)
and just hanging with those we love...
(and for Evie, that's the babies!!!)


The 4 immediate cousins on my kids' Oren side.
Mekonen, Evie, Joy, and Owen

So here's to a fantastic weekend with those we love!
Happy 4th of July!














2 comments:

Marie Oren Sosebee said...

This is a beautiful synopsis of the 2013 Oren Family Reunion!!! The new generation of kiddos is adorable...

Mandi said...

This is so special! It made me cry and I'm not even related! :) I miss being close to family and love to see how you treasure it. Enjoy!