About a week ago we had a horrible storm come through and it ripped a quarter of our tree off. There was a big mess in our front yard to clean up. Some of the branches were so thick, we would need a chainsaw to get through them quickly. Adam called a good friend of ours to see if he knew anyone who had a chainsaw. This friend had one and said we were more than welcome to it (anytime we need to use something, he has it and always offers it to us). Another really good friend offered to help Adam cut up the branches and dispose of them. I am so thankful for these friends and the service they always provide. I hope they feel like we give back too. haha
Anyhow, because of the storm I called my mom to see if we could borrow their chainsaw (before Adam called our friend). While I was talking to her, I heard a familiar laughter in the background but couldn't figure out who it could be. So, I asked and she told me that it was my Great Aunt Laura and Great Uncle Ray. The last time I saw my Great Uncle was when I was still in high school and he stopped by on his way up to Iowa to visit some family. The last time I saw my Great Aunt was when we had a family reunion when my family still lived in Washington (even longer since Uncle Ray). So I was very surprised to hear their voices. I was able to talk to my Great Aunt and loved it!
A couple nights ago my dad called to ask what my address was (who remembers addresses when you know where you're going). That's all he wanted and then my Great Uncle got on the phone and asked for a good time to stop by on their way home. I was so excited that they were coming to MY house. I told them that if I had known they were going to my parents' home, I would have been there in a heartbeat! Anyhow, they came by yesterday and we got to visit for about an hour. I loved every single minute of it and will always cherish that time. We were talking about our family (Uncle Ray is a Genealogist) and the fun stories that he had found about our ancestors. They also cooed over Haydn and loved his personality. He was shy to begin with because I had to wake him up. After he woke up, he was very outgoing and showed off a bit.
The only bad things about that visit...I forgot to take pictures and Adam wasn't here to meet some of my extended family!!!! ARG! Oh well, I remember it and will tell Haydn as he grows up. Uncle Ray and Aunt Laura said they will try to stop by again sometime and tell one of their daughters and her husband who travel through the area often to stop by. I love my family very much. We have our crazy moments, but without those crazy moments we wouldn't be THIS family.
A couple years ago on Adam's Mom's side of the family, a womens reunion was started. All the female descendants of Adam's Great Grandmother, biological or by-marriage, are invited. We had one a few weeks ago and it was so wonderful getting to see all the relatives. I took Haydn and showed him off a bit too. They aren't my biological family, but I still love them and love to hear their history. I was very close to Adam's grandmother who passed away a few months before we got married. I know she would be thrilled to know that we have these reunions and that we attempt at getting together. I also love getting to hear stories about Adam's grandmother specifically. She was quite a woman!
I love my family very much (biological and in-laws). I am so thankful that I have them and that we get to be together. I hope that everyone in my family knows how much I love them.
Every year the school has a mural on the wall for the graduating class. (I know, you can't see him very well.)
All the Lasley's who were able to attend. We are missing quite a few!
Jake and his very awesome basketball coach, Coach T. (Jake and Coach T have a relationship I have never seen before. They both respect each other and I imagine will be good friends for a long time.)