A Special Visit & St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

A couple days after my birthday, the best gift I could ask for came.  My sister flew in for a visit and to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, our family's favorite holiday.  This has been the longest we have ever been away from each other.  Talking on the phone, texting and Facetiming daily just wasn't cutting it.  We were beyond excited to see her.  She came in Thursday night with gifts.  

Dujuan and Abby love Facetiming with the kids, so of course we had to Facetime him.  Mostly though, he wanted to see the reaction to a gift they got Ireland.  Since Ireland was born, they've been begging to get her an American Girl doll.  I have always said no.  They are expensive and I wanted Ireland to have an appreciation for something like this.  But, her love of baby dolls and her Aunt Abby's pestering got the better of us.  The reaction to this early birthday present was priceless.

Friday morning we got to have breakfast together at our favorite old time hangout, Ernie's.  

Then, it was off to Springfield to visit GramMo's house and get ready for our St. Patrick's Day celebration with the whole family.  GramMo missed Cohan's birthday party because of all the snow, but she had all his presents ready for him (and a few for Ireland, too)!

That evening, we did what our family loves to do... happy hour and dinner at MeMo's house.  My cousin, Noreen, and her kids were in town, so all the kids loved running on the golf course.  

The next morning, it was up and at it.  We were at my cousin's house by 9:00 and ready to start celebrating our favorite day.  The kids had an awesome time playing.  I loved seeing my girl friends!!!

By noon, it was parade time!!!  We met my dad, step-mom, sister and step-sister and enjoyed!!  The kids loved having all their Illinois grandparents together in one place.  I love traditions!!

When the parade was about over, Scott took the kids home for nap time.  I stayed downtown with my family.  We all met back up at my uncle's Irish pub for dinner.  

The next morning, before we had to take Abby to the airport, we headed my my cousin, Tara's house for a brunch.  My dad, step-mom, mom, brother, nephew, sister-in-law and cousins were all there.  She has a farm in her back yard, so the kids love it there.  

We headed home and my sister, Clara and her girlfriend, Kat, stopped by with birthday presents for Cohan (and of course, some for Ireland).  He loved it!

One last birthday celebration...

Then off to the airport.  Everyone was EXHAUSTED!!!  

Thanks for such a fun weekend!!  We miss everyone already!!