This past weekend we had a family reunion at my Mom’s house in Illinois!

My brother, sister, nephews and their significant others all made it too!

We were only missing Grant and David, who had to work. And of course my Dad.

Our trip down on Friday went well. We had good little travelers in our two car caravan!

First we stopped in Peoria, and Blake had some meetings to attend. So the kiddos and I visited our dear friends and hung out with them while we waited for Blake to return! And I took ONE photo. This sweet friend Melody has had a huge influence on my life! It did my heart good to hug her and spend the afternoon catching up! Thanks for the great afternoon, sweet friend!

We arrived at my Mom’s around 4 p.m. We were having a big meal Friday night with everyone. It was a beautiful day Friday!

We were staying at my Mom’s house, while everyone else was at a hotel. Saturday morning we had breakfast and then headed to a local coffee shop to meet Blake’s Mom and visit with her!

That little coffee shop is now my favorite one! So bright, cheery, CLEAN, and yummy too! Blake was telling the kids stories about his high school days working in that building when it used to be a feed store! We laughed so much!

Saturday afternoon my sweet friend dropped by to visit. Sandy and I first met in a Gymboree store many, many years ago. I was buying a coming home from the airport outfit for our soon to be baby from Korea – one boy outfit and one girl outfit. I was also giving the sales clerk an ear full about who those precious outfits were for! Sandy overheard me talking, and introduced herself to me. They were waiting on a baby from Korea too!! We have been the closest friends ever since. Isn’t God so cool?!

Late Saturday afternoon, we all headed to a Pumpkin Patch. That will be another post!!

Sunday already had us packing up to head back to Wisconsin. But first we met Blake’s Dad and his wife at a Starbucks to visit! The kiddos did great at hanging out in coffee shops…until they didn’t do great anymore! Our visit ended when two little ones were done – but we enjoyed a long visit and some yummy treats.

Our weekend was fast. And way too short. But FULL. It was SO hard to drive away from my Mom’s. I know the Lord has us right where we are supposed to be, but I just wish it was a whole lot closer to our family.

It was super good to see everyone, especially having my extended family all together all at once!

Hopefully our family reunions will be a yearly event now!