Two weekends ago we visited Gunny and his family for a very busy long weekend. Our goals while we were there were — to see Nikki cheer at a varsity football game — to celebrate her 16th birthday — to attend her and Jays’ confirmation — to see Jay play on the freshman football team — and to squeeze in some visiting time whereever we could. And we managed to do it all!
On Friday night:
Because of the confirmation we didn’t have any flexibility in which weekend we visited, so if we wanted to see Nikki cheer we would have to drive to a game on Friday night two and a half hours away! But when you live as far away as we do, you have to take opportunities as they present themselves, so we made the trip and were glad we did.
It was an exciting game that our team won in the last few minutes.
Nikki with a close friend who is also a cheerleader.
It was realllly cold and I hadn’t thought to take gloves, so Dilly was kind enough to lend me one of hers. Not a perfect, solution but at least it helped! (It’s hard to see, but we had our gloved hands clasped together in the middle.)
On Saturday:
We celebrated Nikki’s 16th birthday!
We couldn’t decide on what kind of cake to buy at the fantastic local bakery, so we bought two small ones — one lemon and one red velvet.
But, as her special birthday “cake” Nikki opted for a slice of strawberry cheesecake, and then we bought this humongus candle to go on top that was about the same size as the slice it was sitting on!
I wanted to get a nice family picture of them. But, Jay was goofing off a little.
So, he and Gunny “discussed” how he should pose for the picture …
… ahhh, much better.
I love this picture. Nikki knows how to smile for a picture, but Jay does have trouble deciding how he should pose. So I like this one because he just looks like him – no pose at all!
I don’t know. Do you think you can tell they’re related? I kind of think so.
And these two look a little alike too.
On Sunday morning:
Nikki and Jay were confirmed into the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. They each had to ask someone to stand with them at the front and read their confirmation bible verse, and they asked Hubby and me. Hubby for Jay and me for Nikki. We were very honored that they asked us.
On Monday night: We enjoyed watching Jay’s freshman football team win their game. Thankfully, it wasn’t nearly as cold as it had been for the varsity game on Friday night! But, unfortunately I forgot my camera, so you’ll just have to take my word for it that he was very cute (in a “manly” sort of way, of course) in his uniform and played well.
Early Tuesday morning:
Gunny met us for breakfast before we left town. We had to wait a few minutes for the doors of the restaurant to open at 6 a.m.!
Thank you Father for the wonderful time we got to spend with our loved ones.
I love this post. I don’t get to see that branch of your family very often, and this made me feel as if I was there with you.
Linda — I’m glad you enjoyed it. Of course, if history is any sign, now you’ll remember BEING there!
Sandra, what a beautiful family! Nikki is a knock-out! I got tickled over the one-glove idea. A little “Michael Jackson” in you? C
Thank you, C. I’m very proud of them, so it’s fun to share pictures. Yes, I was channeling Michael Jackson. I got some really strange looks when I did the moon walk!
Thanks for sharing all of the photos Aunt Sandy! It sounds and looks like you had a great visit! I still can’t get over how much ‘Jay’ looks like ‘Gunny!’ Amazing!
Julie — I’m glad you enjoyed them. Yes, Gunny and Jay DO look alike, but Gunny looks so OLD!
What an honor to be asked to stand up with them.
Carla — I agree.
I will not tell Gunny that you said he looked old. ….. I will just laugh like I always do…. HAHAHAHA!