My parents and I get to spend the long holiday weekend with my oldest brother David and his family. We haven't seen David since Ken and Sonia's wedding last September and it's been since Dana's wedding in 2008 since we've seen Julie, Caleb and Mason. We're happy that they are doing well in Atlanta, but it's hard to have them so far away from us.
Caleb is seven and will start second grade in the Fall. He is not only very smart but kind, polite and such a joy to be around. He LOVES to play chess, read and is obsessed with any thing Star Wars (just like is dad!) and is a great big brother to Mason.
Mason is five and will start Kindergarten in the Fall. This kid is a CRACK UP! He too is wise beyond his years, is very perceptive, super active and has a sweet sensitive side.
David is built like his dad but looks like his mom. It's fun for my parents to watch the boys in action and see so much of David in them. They joke about, "pay back" but the truth is the boys are super well behaved and pretty darn entertaining.
Little David, er, I mean Mason Kinkaid
David is a very hands on Daddy. He is very patient and involved with the boys. They ask a million questions and David goes above and beyond to answer their questions. Julie is a devoted Stay-at-home Mom who doesn't get to stay home very often! She is very involved in the PTA and has a budding cake decorating business. Her cakes are amazing... she takes a lot of pride in her work and the finished products are always unique and something to talk about!!!
Nana Oregon is playing chess with the boys. I'm pretty sure she's calling Caleb out on his last move...and chances are he's proving his point!
When in doubt, call in an expert to make the call! I wasn't brave enough to play chess with anyone. I know nothing, and in this case, it's good to just keep it that way!
We are looking forward to soaking up this time with our Atlanta family.
Thank you for having us David, Julie, Caleb and Mason!
When in doubt, call in an expert to make the call! I wasn't brave enough to play chess with anyone. I know nothing, and in this case, it's good to just keep it that way!
My family friend, Heather Johnson is having her dream wedding in Savannah, Georgia this June. She is marrying Mike Johnson. So her new name with be Heather (Johnson) Johnson! :O)
Walt's Wharf on Main Street had a wonderful luncheon for all of Heather's guests.
The cake was AMAZING (as were the monogrammed cookies).
Heather and I met almost 20 years ago when my family was living in Black Butte Ranch, Oregon. Her family bought a second home in Sisters and have become one of our closest family friends.
My mom and Pattie
This is a photo of Beth and Heather from elementary school. As most girls do, they were already planning their dream wedding! Beth will be Heather's matron of honor.
Heather received some awesome presents! My mom made her an apron.
Heather and her mom, Lin
Congratulations, Heather! Can't wait for your big day this June!
Dana's sweet mother-in-law Julie and My mom. Julie (Julianne) is who my future niece, Elle Julianne is named after. She is going to be so spoiled by her Grammie Julie and Nana Oregon (my mom).
Mama
Big sister and little sister. (Oh, new flat iron, how I love how you flatten my fro-like locks!)
The three sisters
With our dad
Dana Lynne ~ due mid June 2010. 
After a few days to recuperate from the wedding festivities we explored Wailea. Ken and Sonia are having their honeymoon at the Grand Wailea Resort. We only *sort of* crashed their day... but were invited! LOL!
I could get used to being greeted with a floral lei every morning.
Mom (who recovered nicely from her heat exhaustion / dehydration / ??? wedding day yuckyness) and Dad.
The newlyweds and mom and dad! (I promise we only stayed for a minute!)
Building castles in the sand.
The Grand Wailea Chapel
The lazy river
You always need a rope swing!
The lobby
Ken and Sonia had a ginormous honeymoon suite with an incredible view!
Today Sonia's sister and mom hosted her bridal shower outside of Portland. It was great to meet many of Sonia's family and friends ~ many who will be joining in the festivities of their destination wedding in Maui this September!
Of course you know that I was downstairs playing with her little cousins. We were having gymnastics lessons and having a good old time while the women upstairs gabbed about the rainy Portland weather and the upcoming wedding in paradise. 
These are Sonia's cousins and her baby nephew, Elias. 
I love this classic pose of my mom. It's as if we're Italian with her hand gestures and expressions!
Sonia's mom cooked amazing Lebanese cuisine. 
We're missing Janice and Julie... but here are 4:6 of the Hughie women!
With Sonia's sister Nicole and Mom.
Look at this amazing cake! It was inspired by the Shower invitation. Inside was chocolate and strawberries. What a great idea.
Pretty Sonia and the dessert table
Nicole, Maria, (who I've decided will be my date to the wedding!), Elias and Ashton. I asked Maria if she is excited for the wedding and she told me, "I'm get to go because Sonia is special to me." How sweet! What a beautiful family!
Sonia (and Ken) scored with a lot of gifts from their registry. Now they'll have to do some entertaining to put all of their china to use!
So happy for you, Sonia! Welcome to the family! 
