The Coon family Visits!

Michael's brother got married on July 3 in Houston. Which was great for us...very little travel time! All 11 of his siblings and his parents decided to come for the event and stay for the 4th of July. Which was also great since we don't get to see them that often.

Some flew in a few days early and stayed with us. Collin had had a fever and no appetite all week, so he wasn't the most social. But on Thursday June 30th Michael took the day off and  we went to Galveston for lunch and took them on the Galveston Ferry ride- which is always a fun, free thing to do! And the ride out to Galveston along the coast is beautiful! Then Friday the siblings headed up to Houston to meet the group that had done a road trip out and to pick up some others from the airport.

 

On Saturday we met up with them in the Sugarland area where they had rented a condo for a couple days. The girls got their nails done while the boys played and babysat. We went to a BBQ place for lunch and then went bowling.

 

 

 

The next day was the wedding. We were able to go to church since it wasn't until the afternoon. And then we headed to the wedding that afternoon. And it wouldn't be a Coon get together without someone having car problems- the large van they had driven from Utah broke down that morning. Thankfully Thomas is a mechanic and came to the rescue. Thankfully we squeezed people in the few operating cars, called a taxi for the rest and made it to the ceremony right on time. Swati is from India so it was a traditional Indian ceremony which was very neat to experience. And I still can't believe that I didn't take any pictures! But here is a link to the photographer's website with some highlights. I got a traditional Indian outfit, but again didn't take any pictures. It was so hot and a little stressful keeping the boys happy right during what was normally nap time. And then there was a reception at a country club. We had a great time dancing, spending time with family, tasting some Indian food (a little spicy for us) and meeting some of Swati's family and friends. Collin loved the cake and even left a cute little finger mark on it. Good thing his Aunt Swati and Uncle Dennis love him (and the photographer had already gotten pictures of it)

 I also made some favors for the wedding. They had some chocolates inside that Swati had gotten from Erie where they live. It was fun to come up with something to disguise the packaging. 

Monday was the 4th of July. Michael's parents were staying with us for a couple nights. That morning our ward had a pancake breakfast. Michael had to help serve food at it so we went there for breakfast and then headed straight out to the beach for the day. The rest of the group met us there. We brought a little grill and cooked hot dogs for lunch. Shortly after lunch I headed home with some very tired boys (too many late nights!) for baths and naps. On the way out our van got stuck in some sand at the exit. Thankfully it was a busy day and a kind (and very strong looking) man showed up in a big truck with a huge American flag waving in the back and said "Darlin' do you need some help?" All in a southern accent ;) It made me laugh but I was so grateful! He pulled a HUGE rope, at least as big as my arm, out and hooked it to the back of the van and walked me through what to do to get out. Then told me how to get out the next exit to avoid getting stuck again. I was so grateful for his help and from what it sounded like he pretty much goes around helping people get out of the sand because he said he had already helped a few people that day. Made me so grateful for kind people out there in the world! Last minute it was decided to move dinner to our house that night instead of the beach house they had rented. It ended up working out and I had to do very little work! (I am so glad I insisted on cleaning up the house Saturday night even though we were exhausted) Then we watched fireworks from the Hobby Lobby parking lot. Another late night but it was a fun 4th of July (although I always miss celebrating at home with my family and their big celebration!) Collin LOVED the fireworks and talked about them for days afterward.

Tuesday we go to spend some time with Michael's parents. We took them to story time and then visited Michael at work. Then we had lunch before they got picked up to do some things with the other siblings. The boys and I opted for a quiet afternoon at home....we needed that after a busy weekend! Collin was taking a much needed nap so he missed out on our traditional pictures on our bench, but Derrick was all smiles! 

 
That was the last we saw of the family since they hit the road early Wednesday  morning. Its always a little crazy and overwhelming for me when everyone is together, but we had a great time and I am so glad that the boys got some time with their Coon family. It doesn't happen that often. Come visit us in Texas again soon!