Celebrating 160 Years

I know... it's confusing... who on earth could possibly live to celebrate 160 years? Well, here's the thing. Over the 4th of July weekend, K and I, along with K's brothers, sister, and in-laws, threw a party for his parents. You see, this year, they both celebrated 60th birthdays, and they will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in August. So, we threw all that together (60+60+40 = 160) to celebrate 160 years. Almost 200 of their closest family and friends attended the weekend celebration, many of whom traveled from our home state of Illinois. We spent Thursday and Friday reuniting, either on the golf course, at the pool, or at the nearest local establishment that could hold (and tolerate) all of us, and then the big celebration was held on Saturday.

Basically, two extended families, the Cassidys (Illinoisians.. is that what you call them?...turned Southerners, and the Nugents (Illinoisians who will forever remain Illinoisians), as well as many close friends from Illinois who may as well be family, try to get together once a year. This year, the reunion was held on our home turf with this special occasion. Whenever these two families get together, the time absolutely flies by. There's so much to say and do and so little time. What amazes me each time we are all together is how much we all truly enjoy being with each other. (If you knew this group, that would amaze you, too!) As one who married into this crew, I am proud to say that some of my best friends are a part of this group, and I am truly blessed to be a part of such an amazing family.

Here are a few pics from the weekend.

The Cassidy family all wore t-shirts at the celebration. What you cannot see in this picture are the numbers on the back of each shirt. Chuck and Karen are both 00. K is #2, I am #6, M is #15, and C is the youngest of the family thus far at #24.

One of the honorees with her brother, Tony (Father Tony). Keeping with Cassidy Irish Catholic tradition, Tony held Mass for all of us before the big celebration. He always does such an incredible job at keeping it all in perspective for us.

The other honoree, along with K's namesake and Karen's twin brother.

The party was held at an old polo field, so the kids had a ball. Here, M and the girls were collecting grasshoppers and crickets and any other multiple legged creatures they could find. The boys used the field for wiffle ball, tag, and a mean game of Bean Bag Toss.

The evening concluded with a DJ playing "the best dance music ever!" (Hannah, Age 8) Even C made it to the dance floor. Here, his cousin Aubrey is teaching him the Chicken Dance. He may never be the same.

For those who were there, I'm sure you're wondering where The Sisters Act and Farmin' Family pictures are. I believe those deserve a post of their own, so they will come later.