Go Big and Go to Vermont

What is 33 feet long, hangs out in Wal-Mart parking lots at odd hours, and carries 8 people to Vermont from Virginia?

 

But of course!



Our family made a trip with my Mom to the beautiful (but rainy) state of Vermont. My brother, his wife and 6 daughters live there, and our goddaughter was to make her First Holy Communion.  My wonderful Tommy drove and my mom came along with us. 

It was a whirlwind trip, but Lucy loved being with "all those girls" and we were so happy to be together.  The wind was a factor when we arrived in Vermont, and there was no power when we arrived.  All part of our adventure, including the overnights in the Wal-Mart parking lots.  Tommy cooked breakfast for all 16 of us in the RV, and we had real Vermont Maple Syrup with our breakfast.

It was such a joy to be there, and I was even able to sing with my Mom and brother for Mass.  Panis Angelicus in 4 part harmony to make my mother's heart happy.

 

It's hard to capture the joy and fun the kids had in photos, but here's a little bit.

 

 

 

It was too short!  The kids all asked when Mary Kathryn is receiving her Confirmation so we can come back. 



 

William's First Communion

What a special gift on Mother's Day weekend to celebrate a First Communion! 

We were so excited to be able to share in the joy with my nephew, Robert.  He is the youngest of my sister's 4 boys.  Big day!

 

The Mass was beautiful.  My Tommy's sister-in-law led the young people's choir at the Mass, they sang my favorite "Oh God, Beyond All Praising" which caused me to cry (as usual.  "We'll triumph through our sorrows, and rise to bless you still.  To marvel at your beauty....").  It was lovely. 

  

I am a picture taker.  I take lots, and when it is a special day for my family, I start to worry.  I worry about the food, the photos, the clothes....yes, I worry about silly things.  We were running late before Mass, and didn't take pictures as much as I would have liked.  I started to worry during Mass that we needed propane to cook the meat after, and I made the mistake of sending Tommy home with 2 kids.  Our family split up, and there was no chance of taking any pictures at church.  Okay, we take them at the house. 

 

Well, no, that didn't happen either.  The grill wasn't working, so off came the suits for playtime, firing up the coals.  So things moved along, and we didn't do all that I hoped for.  But we did get some really important ones:

 

William and his Godfather Uncle Paul.

My girls.

His Godmother Aunt Jenn.

Grandma (with her heart doing much better) and Grandpa.

And Mani and Papa.

 

Everyone else.  

 

Not one of all my kids, or the family.  I was trying to "let it go" and not worry so much, but it was eating me up.  I just wanted my family (or my chickens, as my mom would say) in one photo.  Just one. 

Now, really I should laugh.  I should.  I shouldn't be such a worry wart.  The party was lovely, we had family together, and lots of leftovers.  But I like things just so, and I asked just one thing for Mother's Day.  And I got it.  Tired faces, not as nice outfits, but they (sort of) did it for me.

Our sweet friends came to our rescue before Mass, and we managed a little something.  It made the celebration of William's SECOND Communion just as special!  Tommy was the Eucharistic Minister at Mass and made sure he was on our side for William.  We were all smiling, and in truth, that is what it is ALL about!