Mother's Day

Mother's Day this year was a special celebration with lots of wonderful women! We started the day with breakfast Shonn ordered and picked up.  Then we went to Grandma Cox's house for her traditional Mother's Day luncheon, where the men prepare the food and serve the women. It was delicious - teriyaki, salads, sides, and about 30 different desserts.  Grandma looked beautiful and gave a touching speech about how important we all were in her life.  I was so thankful to sit with her and my mom at the same time during lunch. 

Three generations of Williams-Cox-Kracht-Hild women. :)

After lunch, Tam and I went outside with the kids and enjoyed the swingset.  I also got to talk with my aunts and cousin Natalie, which was nice.  We are all so busy, but I remember fondly how we grew up together, with monthly parties and celebrations.  It's nice to have these traditions so we can stay in touch and spend time together.

Tam and I were talking about how for the 33 Mothers' Days we've been in the family, we've probably sat by each other at approximately 25 of them.  This year was the first year we celebrated together as moms, though!  (Last year, Beckett was so little we stayed home and had brunch at our house.)  Our closeness as cousins makes me really wish Mandy, Matthew, and I will eventually live close to each other, because even though Tam and I don't see each other as frequently now, we are still very close and I fondly remember our monthly parties at Grandma's house and the crazy summer sleepovers where we laughed, cried, and talked.  I love her!

Uncle Mike shared with me that when they were younger, Grandpa used to admire this house in Oreana.  Three years ago, when the house at Lake Sara went on the market, Uncle Mike bought "the brick house on 48" and Grandpa moved in with his wife of 62 years, Grandma. I like to think that this field was there when Grandma and Grandpa admired the home, and that the big old tree where Tam and I had our picture taken might have seen them as young sweethearts.  It's comforting to think that we might have loved the same landscape and shared the same shade, just years apart.

After that celebration, we headed to the Hild Farm to honor Janis and Leora.  Jim grilled burgers and hot dogs and we had a lovely time chatting with everyone!  We got some great pictures there, too. 

Lots of love in Daddy's and Grandma's arms.

Beckett is laughing in this picture, and holding his favorite toy at the farm: The Blue Conductor.  You'll see him in pictures from his first birthday party, too!  I think this is a great picture of Janis.

Note THE Conductor.

WHEEE! (Again!)

A very serious moment. :)

Four generations of Hild Men: J Lee (Great-Grandpa); Shonn (Dad); Becket (Star); and Grandpa (Jim).

Beckett had fun with Grandpa, and he really liked his tractors!  He loved Rocky a lot more than Rocky loved him, too.

Another mother to love!  Great-Grandma Hild gives Beckett a squeeze!

With his Great-Grandparents!

We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful mothers in our lives.  I'm thankful for their guidance and love!  What  nice day!