Happy Birthday, Krissie!

My Aunt Krissie, my mom's youngest sister, celebrated her 48th birthday on Saturday. She loves birthdays just like my Grandma Sue did, so we always try to celebrate Krissie's big day with a bang. Although Kris has many special gifts and talents, one of her great talents is bowling. She loves to bowl and she is super good. She beats us all - no kidding. For the last few years, we've enjoyed Krissie's big day right along with her at Brunswick. This year was no exception. Here's our crew on Saturday bowling up some mean stuff.

Rowan and Me (Ryan & Easton were gone to Father & Son's so they missed out on all the fun. But they did make it back in time to come by Grandpa Reid's house after the bowling and eat pizza and cake with all of us.)

The Goodman grandkids, my mom & dad's posterity, minus Tate & Easton.

My Aunt Pauly & Aunt Krissie

My Aunt Laurie holding her granddaughter, Lauren, and my cousin, Ashley standing behind. Three generations right there - all blondies and all beautiful inside and out!

Rowan was cracking us up. She bowled on the same lane with me, my mom, and Shari. She picked the lightest ball possible, but she was still having to heave it back and then whip it around with all her might to get it down the lane. It would crash with a mightly plunk and then oh so slowly roll down the lane, always curving at the last second. Thank heaven for the bumpers they put in the gutters. It was pin ball city for the kids, but it sure makes it fun for them. (Note the mulit-layer ruffled skirt. Very appropriate bowling attire I know. But would you expect anything less from our Rowan?)

Our cute cousins, Ella & Lily

My nephew, Bryant, and cousins, Hayden & Austin, all looking cool at the alley...And Austin was heading to prom that night. He's graduating from Dobson this month. Holy cow...how did that happen so fast? It will be Bryant's turn before I know it.

Grandma Cindy and Tallin were both having good games. My mom used to bowl on a league with my Aunt Laurie and Uncle Mick when I was younger. She's goooood!

Barrett & Randi Girl. They, too, were fortunate to have the bumpers up. Just sayin'.

This is my favorite picture from the whole day. All the kids love Krissie and she loves them. Even though Kris has been having a really hard time with her health and dementia issues lately, she still lights up on occassion and I was lucky enough to capture it on film. It's moments like this that make my heart melt. Happy 48th, Kris! We love you so much and hope that you can break through this trial you're facing and find some peace. Everyone is frustrated that the plethora of doctors and specialists you've seen can't seem to figure out how to help you or even diagnose the problem, but we know that our Heavenly Father is aware of you and sees you. He hears our prayers for you. Thanks for letting us share this day with you. We had a blast! What a great family we have.