Blessings Galore

We had a wonderful weekend. My brother Nate and his wife Alli came to visit! They were the first in my family besides my parents to get to meet Parker. We had a fabulous time. They arrived late Friday night and had to leave early Monday morning, but we packed in the good times.

Nate meeting Parker

The weather was really hot this weekend, so we tried to make the most of it. Saturday morning we went downtown. We visit City Garden again, and everyone had a blast. I think Nolan enjoyed it the most, though.

Then we went down to the river. The Mississippi was really high from all the rain we've been getting.

For the afternoon we stayed home and watched US vs. England in the World Cup. I think we all had a nap except, of course, Nolan.

Parker-like the outfit? Go Gophers!

Nate loves barbeque food. Seeing that St. Louis is known for barbeque, we decided to indulge Saturday night. Funny enough, Ted and I weren't sure where to go. After some good emailing and facebook suggestions, we heard that Pappy's Smokehouse is the only place to eat. But they were already sold out of chicken. So we went to The Plush Pig instead. Nate was satisified, the food was good, and they had a guy playing old-fashioned piano music that made Nolan dance. It wasn't Pappy's, but it was still good.

Sunday was Parker's baby blessing at church. That was the reason Nate and Alli came down to be with us and so Nate could do the blessing. Ted's entire family and his Grandmother were able to join us at church and for a brunch afterwards. It was a beautiful blessing and we are so glad to have had so much family with us for Parker's special day. My talented Mom made Parker's blessing outfit. Thanks Mom!

Nate and Alli with the boys

Wada and Nonna

Four generations

The Joneses

Janny, Josie, Steve, Jody, Parker, Hope, Ted, Nolan, Kristina and Jody

The Downings

We had a great weekend. Nate and Alli kicked our butts in Smear (a Minnesota card game), but we let them do that so they would want to come back and visit! We are sad it went too fast, but so grateful for the wonderful families we are a part of. Thanks everyone for thinking of us or being with us.