Happy Birthday Busia Wlodarczak!

Ever since I can remember, the time around August 1st has brought a summer cook-out-birthday-bash to celebrate Busia's (and Uncle Jimmy's) birthdays. I have many fond memories of these times, most favorite when all 12 siblings made it. It's such a treat to see them together, still acting like kids, and it's very neat to be a part of such a large family. Some memories that stand out are the silver Christmas tree... the year we celebrated "Christmas in July"... celebrating the holiday just because the family was together (of course, I didn't get it at the time...) Then there's a vague memory of my crazy uncles throwing treats off the roof.... I couldn't have been maybe 10. And there's more memories than I can count of tickling, laughing, wrestling to the ground, lots and lots of hugs, always games and riddles (what is the darned niagra falls/ham sandwich one??? I don't even want the answer...I just want the riddle!), and always water fights.

This year was not much different and Emily and Zachary got to enjoy it... the only thing really missing was Busia W... who wasn't feeling too well that day. We still got in a birthday hug though!

Busia W had gotten a frog sprinkler for her birthday, and it was ready and waiting for Zachary when we got there!Water guns? Who brought the water guns. Busia always said we don't play w/ guns. Not even toy guns. Busia??!!??? Huh, once again the rules go out the window w/ the grandkids.Sister and Zachary enjoyed the sprinkler too...

Here's the rest of the 2006 contingent...
Uncles Jimmy, Franky and Michael... w/ Aunt Mary, Uncle Ken and Jenny, (and Aunts Nancy and Rita are hiding...)
And Aunts Rita and Mary w/ Jenny, Teagen and Katreal... (I think that's Aunty Judi spoiling Zachary in the background)

And Busia w/ Emily, Teagen and Katreal...
Sister w/ Zachary...
And w/ Aunty Judi...
We sure did miss the rest of the family! I just know that Emily and Zachary (ok, momma too) would love to see you all again real soon!