When some of Chris’ family realized that his aunt and uncle were coming up on their 60th wedding anniversary, much of the family decided to head to their house to celebrate this milestone occasion. Not many families see this milestone! So on Friday, Chris’ parents, and the three of us loaded up our new car and drove seven hours to Huntsville, Ala.
Larry and Jerri’s 19 family members who visited included a niece, nephews, great-nieces, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews and plenty of in-laws too. It was Avery’s first long trip since our journey to Charleston last summer. We were a little nervous about how she would handle the travel, the change in schedule and family that she doesn’t see a lot. But she exceeded our expectations and made us look good in front of extended family!
We arrived in Huntsville around 2 p.m. local time on Friday. After checking in at our hotel and enjoying a brief respite, we headed over to Larry and Jerri’s house for the evening. Chris’ Aunt Judi and Uncle Ron were already there and had a special gift for Avery.
We shared a chili dinner with the nine people already there. And pretty soon the rest of the family arrived. Avery was anxious to meet five-month-old Mallory, her second cousin once removed. She talked for weeks about holding Mallory and playing with her. Unfortunately, Mallory didn’t do as much fun stuff as Avery had hoped! But she still loved on her like a cousin. I’m sure they’ll be great playmates in a few years!
Here they are interacting on Saturday.
And don’t tell me how cute Avery looks with a baby and how she’ll make a great big sister. I’m not convinced yet that we need Baby Clark #2!
Besides Mallory and Avery, the other second cousins once removed include Gus, Stellan and Jonah. Gus and Jonah are brothers, and they live in Columbus, Ind. Stellan is Mallory’s big brother. They live in Columbia, S.C.
Avery loved playing with the boys, although they didn’t always want her around. She didn’t have any problems playing with their boy toys. In fact, I think Avery needs to start playing with more trucks and dinosaurs!
Here is Avery playing with Stellan’s Stomp Rocket on Saturday. We may need to buy her one for Christmas!
After catching up with everyone, it suddenly was 9:00. Avery was tired, and so were we! So we returned to the hotel, looking forward to a restful night. We expected Avery to fall asleep on the short drive to the hotel, but she didn’t. In fact, she didn’t fall asleep until nearly 10:00 (11 Indiana time!). (I actually fell asleep before her!) She wanted to stay awake with Chris and watch the Cardinals blow out the Brewers in the National League Championship Series.
The next morning, we ate an unexpectedly delicious hot continental breakfast at the hotel. Then we met up with everyone at Larry and Jerri’s house again. Some of the dads headed to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center while the moms and kids hung out together.
Chris also stayed behind to play with the kids!
After playing awhile, we decided to take Avery to the hotel for a nap. She didn’t fight it and fell asleep almost as soon as we got in the car. After her nap, we walked next door to Wintzell’s Oyster House. What a delicious lunch! Chris had catfish, and I had fried shrimp. He even convinced me to try alligator tail. It actually was good!
In the early evening, we all went back to Larry and Jerri’s house for their anniversary party. Several friends joined our family to celebrate with the couple of the hour.
When Jerri mentioned that they didn’t have a cake at their wedding, someone suggested that they feed each other some of the anniversary cake. I fully expected them to smash cake in each other’s faces, but they were kind.
Avery couldn’t wait any longer and finally got a bite of cake, too.
Avery renewed some family friendships this weekend. She melted a lot of hearts with her sweet words and entertaining actions. I was proud to be her mommy!
Sunday morning, all 19 of us enjoyed breakfast together at IHOP. Then we each headed back to our homes.
It was a whirlwind weekend, but we were glad to spend so much time with extended family. Happy 60th to Larry and Jerri!