Housewarming

Our housewarming party was over a week ago, and we haven't had a warm day since--forget about sun, I'm talking damp and chilly, all week--in the middle of May.

We're lucky to have some great memories (and accompanying photos) to cheer us up:

 Will jumped up and down every time a new guest arrived, sometimes running around the room for good measure. It's clear nothing pleases him more than being surrounded by people he loves (who love him back).

 Finny mostly liked the food.

 Riley, "Uncle Paul," and Connor

 Abby

 Ade and Natalie

("Natalie" has become a common noun in our circle, as in:

"I just hope my next baby's a Natalie.")

 Rylan nestling in with Nikki

 A scene from indoors

 Finny, again with food in his mouth

 Finn really got a kick out of Cousin Bella.

And Will got a big kick out of "driving" Uncle Mark's truck!

 (Mark, who is also Will's godfather, just moved up for good to join his family. Welcome home!)

The truck fanaticism didn't stop there. Somehow, BFFs Will and Connor found their way in, and they were pretty excited.

 Will said he wanted to share some cornbread with Auntie Lo;

this was not what she had in mind.

 Auntie Ceci with Brendan

 Auntie Rache (the biological auntie) and Auntie AlRo enjoying my homemade sangria!

 The Power family and Uncle Ryan catch up

 Bucket seat buds: Riley and Rylan

 The playgroup moms in attendance...plus Rick!

(Including Laurie and Susan, both far right)

 Our stone wall is irresistible to toddlers--here's Bill helping Catherine walk on it--

 --and Rick doing the same with Kenley.

Dave, Finny, and Uncle Ry

Finn conked out and elected to get some rest on the kitchen floor as the party wound down.

I noted that this photo was a nice companion piece to an image of me sleeping in the limo at the end of my bachelorette party. Oh, how times have changed!

Will decided to tickle a man when he's down.

Then he decided that if you can't beat 'em (up), join 'em!

Thanks to all our friends and family who made it out; we hope to host you as often as possible in the coming years. There's a standing invite to all those who couldn't make it, too, of course!