Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The House that Out-Disneys Disney

When we traveled to the Chicago area, a couple of weeks ago, we stayed with my sister, Mary Ann. Staying with her is always such a treat. This is one fun-loving family! They remodeled their house, and made it look like. . . well. . . Disney World!



Couldn't you just live forever on the porch alone, with the ceiling fans, and surrounded by Bill's own carefully tended palm trees? These are palm trees in Chicago, mind you!



And part of the fun is little Mr. Andy. Here he challenged Doug to a cut-throat basketball game! Later, he demolished Doug in a game of Halo. Again, note the palm trees in the background.



We had time for a picnic, but no luck in tracking down a picnic table. Given the miles you could travel in ND without stumbling upon another human being, this always amazes me. So we had a car picnic.

How we packed all of this in one day is one of those life mysteries. This is the day of the graduation party at Maria's house as well. We drove to Chicago, spent the day, and drove the 12 hours back to Grand Forks on Monday. . . in time for work on Tuesday.





Bill couldn't resist "laying hands" on his son. Note how un-fazed Andy is. He's so used to his dad's shenanigans!



These kids are such sweet hearts! For awhile, I was walking along with Andy, who told me with such abundant, gushing, feeling, how much he loved his big sister and missed seeing her now that she's in middle school and he isn't!


And my delightful, charming, niece, Joyce, who has the ability to communicate the most detailed saga of the Halo history, and trying to do it in a way that her aunt (me) could make sense of this complicated soap opera of the video-gaming world.


Bobbi made a comment yesterday on my blogthat just really cracked me up!
She asked how my family would handle it if someone were to bring a Canon into the fold! And the truth is that my son, Brian, is considering a Canon as he tries to figure out what video-capable DSLR would suit his needs in his school program, starting in July. He has to have such a camera, and I am shocked at how much I prefer he get a Nikon! I'm sure either brand will end up working just fine. . . but I have a definite preference! There's something viral about Nikon going on in my swarm's midst!

15 comments:

pat said...

Oh, MaryAnn's house is gorgeous! I love all these family shots. R and I are both only children--we miss having extended family to visit/come visit us.

Sharon said...

That is a beautiful house! Beautiful family!

Do you watch DTown with Scot Kelby? It's all about Nikon's.

Esther said...

Wow, that is a beautiful house! And palm trees in Chicago! WOW! Impressive indeed. :)

Chell said...

What a stunning home. Great captures that share the story of your family!!

Maria said...

I really like these photos of Mary Ann and Bill's house! I just love the landscaping.

Kristen Wagner Penn said...

What a gorgeous home! It looks like you guys had a wonderful time!

Gypsy Girl(Brenda) said...

What a beautiful home. Lovely landscaping. Nikons of course are the way to go right.

Suzy said...

What a beautiful house! Awesome captures!

Mandy said...

Ummm....would MaryAnn let me come and live with her. Because seriously, I could just sleep on the porch, like a dog, and no one would ever notice a thing. I have so enjoyed your family shots this week. It just gives me warm fuzzies all over.

Jeanne said...

What a gorgeous house and a beautiful family. Thanks for giving us a look-see.

Nicki said...

Your sisters' house is simply gorgeous - that is some kick-butt landscaping and I LOVE large porches. I can't wait - next week I am vacating with my litter mates; hope we have 1/2 the fun you all did. (good luck on the Canon vs. Nikon)

Reds said...

You have such a beautiful family - and I could live on that porch - Wow!! What a beautiful porch!! :)

shirley said...

That is one gorgeous house, especially the porch. Why can't your son get a Nikon? He can get one with video, for sure.

Bobbi said...

That house is insane. I love porches so much. One of the things I think about the most is when James and I get older and the kids are grown and we get to just sit on the porch together in the early evening.

You are cracking me up with the Canon/Nikon thing. Lol I hope your son joins the darkside of Canon, then there can be a real duel. Canon vs. Nikon shoot offs.

velvetcat said...

wow, looks like a very nice place to visit. the house is very beautiful :)