Family and Birthday

My mother's birthday was yesterday(September 8th) The kids and I went over to my parents house and made them a spaghetti dinner and cake to celebrate.
Then tonight, the kids, joe and I met my sister, brother and Addison at my parents house for a surprise 'party' for my mom. We had another cake, the girls decorated it, drinks and ice cream for all. I think we really surprised her and she enjoyed having us all together for her. =]

In May for Dad's birthday we did a similar thing. We went to Chester Frost Park and got a pavalion. Every day when dad got off work he would go visit my brother who was a ranger there(he is a cop with Red Bank now). Well, that day when he went to talk Mom had decorated the pavilion, grilled hot dogs and had a cake with much much more to surprise him. He was so not expecting that! =]

We love family get togethers. It allows us to spend that time together that we rarely get to spend together due to hectic lives. I wish Joe's family was closer to us so that we could do the same with them. But at least occasional visits take place to make up for it.

I ask Katie and Ally every night what their favorite part of the day was and they always say spending time with their family, or a certain activity they did with family that day or spending time with a certain family member that day. I am so glad that at such a young age they realize the importance of family.