Our Second Family Dinner

Yesterday was the day that we got together with Joe's side of the family. We split the gatherings up this year because of the size of our family. My kids came in November and now Joe's. We have two new babies this year, so the family is growing. The picture below is of four generations of his family. I gathered them together as soon as they arrived, so the babies would be awake and not fussy. Joe on the couch with his two sons next to him and his grandsons below...the two new dad's holding their sons. Then it was time for the ladies. I'm on the couch with Julie and Melody on either side. The two new mommies are on the floor with their new sons.

Here are the two couples with their kids. It's refreshing to see the dad's as involved as the mom's with the care and feeding of their babies. They are all naturals at this new parent thing. We were looking ahead to summer, when the little guys will be crawling and trying to walk.

We had a table full of snacks that were devoured with no leftovers and a repeat meal from when we entertained my kids. Lasagna and stuffed shells, salad, relishes, garlic bread and then apple cake with vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce poured over.....groan! There was plenty so everyone could take some home. I had a non alcoholic drink prepared that was really successful.

Here's the way I made it....

I poured two cans of the new Sierra Mist Cranberry soda into a clear glass pitcher. Then filled the pitcher, leaving room for lots of ice, with cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail) Then I filled it the rest of the way with ice. I had bought some red paper Christmas cups and filled each cup with the drink and put a slice of lime on the edge. It was really tasty and refreshing.

Melody and Julie helped me clean the kitchen...it went like clockwork...so fast. We work well together...so nice to not have to do much when people leave and we are tired.
The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games, watching football, and watching the center of attention...the babies. They were placed on the floor and we all sat around and just watched. My two rocking chairs got a workout and babies were fed and burped and changed and rocked. We all took turns holding and then it was time to go home. What a nice day.

Balisha