So…as you may recall, I went to Pittsburgh these past few days to attend the wedding of my sister’s oldest son. It was a great opportunity to visit with family members I normally don’t get to see near enough since we’re kind of spread across the US from hither to yon. Fun weddings are a tradition in our family. We’ve shared many laughs at them over the years though it’s probably a good thing us siblings can no longer easily flop down and ‘Tuna’ at these kinds of events…we probably couldn’t get back up again! If you don’t know what that is, search for the Otis Day version of the song Shout from the Toga Party scene in Animal House [with apologies to anyone who saw an inappropriate ad on the YouTube link-it worked fine initially].
The “concept” of family is an extremely significant to all of us and we learned from the best, our parents who taught us the importance being true and loving to each other. It has made all the difference in the world and while we may live thousands of miles away from one another, we are close and try to come together for events like this to support one another. Although a few were unable to make the journey, we had a large contingent in attendance and seeing everyone who was there reminded me that our family is lot like a pool with concentric circles when pebbles are dropped in it. With each new baby or spouse our circles grow outward and we are ever so much richer for those ripples. 
From the beautiful new grand-niece I just got to meet to the niece and her family from Texas I haven’t seen in over 6 years, we are a lot like the Sister Sledge song, “We Are Family.”
And while my mom was unable to partake at the actual wedding ceremony, she was at the rehearsal dinner and at the send-off breakfast the next morning for which we are ever so grateful. Her grace, style, courage and dignity has made all of us better humans throughout our lives and we cherish every. single. minute. that she continues to guide and be an amazing example for us. We snuggled with the newest member who has the classic family personality that reinforces our life circles. Miss Avery, I know you got tired of being passed around amongst all the aunties, uncles, grandparents and great-grandparents, nieces and nephews, but we just can’t help ourselves. We adore you so and just want to leave lipstick marks on your sweet precious head now and forever. Know each mark and hug is given with love and hope that your life is a continuation of our family’s legacy.
To the beautiful bride, Julia and her hubby, we wish you a lifetime of love and laughter. Kudos to you for bringing joy to your grandmother’s heart at finally tying the knot, Kyle. You made her and the rest of our motley crew happy for you both and we were thrilled and grateful to share in your joy. May you always be as in love and happy as you were on this occasion. And to my dad and siblings, whether through blood or marriage, thank you all for being you and for being part of my circles in life. You make my heart smile and I’m ever so proud to call you family.
And finally there’s that fur-kid who happily welcomed me home and has barely left my side. Your Velcro-ness following any absence makes me sing and revel in gratitude.
Love you all, every single one of you nut-cases! 😉
Live, love, bark! <3
I can’t find a Sunday Selfie badge and post so am commenting here to wish you a happy Sunday selfie. Have a good one 🙂
The Dash Kitten Crew
What a beautiful baby and looks like a great time with family.
That was lovely, I’m glad you had such a great time. There is nothing like family to welcome you back home.
I couldn’t have said it better. I so enjoyed spending time with you and all the rest of the clan! It was especially nice that my kiddos were able to spend time with their grandparents, they needed that (the kids)! Sam must have been overjoyed when you came home, Miley was glad too that we came home but also had so much fun with friend (Princess) that she was exhausted when we picked her up!
We are so blessed to have this crazy bunch in our wheelhouse. Your grand babies are beyond adorable. Glad Miley had a good time and no one got left at ‘day care.’ 😉 Love ya❣️
Looks like a great time – it is wonderful to have a loving family and the opportunity to see them!
I always love when we get together with our extended family, it’s like we were never apart and it always brings out so much laughter! I’m glad that your mom was able to enjoy in some of the fun!
These get-togethers are the fiber of our familial relationships and always prompt sweet memories and loads of laughter.
Thanks for joining our Sunday Selfies Blog Hop. It was very nice to meet you. We hope you’ll come back often so we can get to know you better. The watercolor header is lovely. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
We’re looking forward to dropping by the Sunday Selfies. And thank you for the kind words, we especially 💕 fur-visitors.
Our mom says it is impawtent to know how you are connected to so many others. We totaly understand the velcro dog concept too!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Oh my goodness! What a lovely time that was. I just love weddings. They always make me cry. And I’m glad you got home to Sam. I think he was fixing to send me an SOS for a jailbreak. Much love. XOXO – Bacon
He was definitely planning on something, Bacon! 😉
Beautiful, beautiful post and heartfelt congratulations to ALL!! It sounds like you have one incredible family! You are truly blessed!
We are, Dakota. Very blessed and very fortunate. Also very goofy! 😉
What a joyous occasion. We have a very small family, but we are close. Did you know Mom is from a city about 90 miles north of Pittsburgh and has been there many times? She loves the Museum of Natural History there.
Pittsburgh was a fascinating city. Loved all the hills and old houses with true neighborhoods. 😉
My Mummy’s family is all over too…in the states,in europe and Australia,xx Speedy
We’re spread out from Hawaii to the East Coast with dear friends in Germany. While we may not get to see everyone frequently, we are close in spirit and these occasions are the best when we can all come together and be our crazy selves. 😉
Lovely post, so moving to read about your family…we’re scattered every which way and don’t get to see each other too often these days.
Thank you. We’re spread out all over too but are very close. Times like this wedding reinforces our family connections which mean so much to everyone. Happy Monday!
thanks so much for sharing and including pics. love your insight about families being like circles. the closeness of your family is a blessing.
p.s. did you mention cookies as in 60 dozen?
the line starts behind Sam an i’m already there!! lol
LOL! I think you’ll need a number for that line! 😇
No black sheep in the family? Every family has at least one.
Ssssssssssssssssssh Kismet……. I think it’s Monika! 🙂
I was just getting ready to note that! You guys are just too clever, aren’t you? 😉
I didn’t know who it was in my family for the longest time. Then I found out that I was it. Imagine that.
That’s inconceivable!
Ms. Monika, you have a very beautiful family!
Aw thanks, Noodle. We may be a motley crew, but we love one another to pieces! Good thing we’re all a little goofy. 😉
PS. Sam REALLY, REALLY missed his mama. ❤️🐾🐾
He sure did…hasn’t left my side since coming back!
Family is great! Glad you had a great time at the wedding and got to see so many members you haven’t seen in a while! The last time I actually saw family members on my dad’s side was back in 2007 for Thanksgiving weekend. (My mom’s side is, well let’s just say “estranged” from my brother and me; but the way they treated us and Dad after Mom passed made it easier for us to accept.)
Oh gosh, I’m so sorry your family has issues. I think that happens more often than not. We are sooooo blessed!
I’m sorry too, but I resigned myself to and got over them a long time ago. Still have Dad’s side, so that’s the positive part.
Yes, at least there is that. 😊
A lovely time was had by all, and when you got home, someone else’s day was made too. Purrfect. purrs ERin
M we loved sharing the expanding family circles with you on this trip. It is a joy to see the generations come together and embrace each other and our newest additions! Watching the “next generations” grow their bonds and build their relationships even though they are spread across miles makes me feel that the traditions taught by your parents will always live on. I had 240lbs of fur-babies jockeying for position on top of me when we got home, painful, but loved the welcome!
LOL, I can just see the jockeying fur. They’re gonna be out of their minds in a couple weeks. 😝
how fun! The wedding looked great, the party looked great, you’re all beautiful including Sam who would have been happy to catch the garter (or the bouquet) (whatever)
Or a cookie from one of 60 dozen (a Pittsburgh tradition at weddings). 😇
And surprisingly no ‘dancing on the tables.’ 😉
It is sad that so many families are emotionally fragmented, often because of some silly dispute, such that they never feel the power of a multi-generational family gathering like yours! So glad you could Post this for us……….. but Sam’s looking rather disappointed at being left behind.
He’s happier now that I’m home 😍
Your post rings so very very true! Glad you got to see so much of your family and had a wonderful time!
Thanks. It was totally pawsome, Marty!
Glad you enjoyed the wedding and the photographs of the family were lovely. I think someone really missed you and is no doubt happy to have you back home.
Thanks, John. It was a great time had by all!
that was wonderful to read… family is great and I love to be together with all who belong to our “gang” :o)
Being part of this merry band has been one of the greatest pleasures in life. I count myself ever so lucky!