Celebrating

My father-in-law turns 87 this month.  

Much of the family met up at my brother and sister in law's lake house to celebrate.

  It was so much fun. 

I thought I would share a few photos of our group.

This is Chris's dad with all of his children.

Chris is the third on the left.

My FIL and MIL and the kids

I managed to get a couple of photos with 2 of my great nieces (they are sisters).

Thadd brought Pepper and she rides in the car like a trooper!

That was the best part of this weekend.  

Today we got news that a very dear friend lost his fight with brain cancer today.  

We have been friends with them for almost 40 years now.  

We have seen the birth of 5 kids between us and

 they were able to be at both of my daughter's weddings.  

We went to see him a few months ago, right before he lost his speech.

  He got to see photos and videos of Avery and 

we were so fortunate that we made the long drive to visit with them!  

I brought him a brown scapular that had been touched to a relic. 

 I told him to wear it and Mary would watch over and protect  him.  

I sure hope she helps him into heaven today. 

 RIP, my friend, know you will be missed!

Hug your loved ones a little bit tighter tonight my friends.

~XOP~