Some summer highlights...

For the 4th of July, my parents wanted to get us all together, so they rented a cabin in Steamboat Springs, CO.  It was an absolutely beautiful town nestled in the Rocky mountains.  We were all able to make the trip and we soaked up every second together and all but one sister and her family and one sister-in-law and one brother-in-law.  (I won't mention names, but these individuals are also known as "The Party Poopers"...jk). 

In true Thompson fashion, there was lots of laughing, tons of good food, plenty of Diet Coke...or as Rick says, "Thompson Water," and oodles of cousin time.

A few miles from the house where we stayed was a beautiful waterfall called, "Fish Creek Falls".  A few of us made the trip and it was absolutely spectacular.  The water runoff from the melting snow surged the water to an unbelievably high level.  It was so intense and absolutely breathtaking.

I overheard other hikers saying that his waterfall is the image that is used on the Coors can.  Not sure, but it does make for an interesting story.

One of the highlights of the trip was that my darling sister Kara got engaged.  She met an amazing guy Adam several months ago and we have been crossing our fingers for them ever since.  They had spent a week together in Southern California with his family and immediately after getting off the plane, they drove the long drive to Steamboat to spend some time with the family.  Adam thought it would be nice for Kara and all of us if he proposed in Steamboat.  He whisked her away one evening and surprised Kara with a beautiful engagement ring that his grandma wore for her whole life.

We all cheered when they came walking in with the amazing news.  Adam is perfect and he is wonderful addition to our family.  CONGRATULTIONS!!!! (Since McSean and Kera's family are here in the U.S. until August 30th before they head back to Abu Dhabi, the wedding date is set for August 27th.) So fun.

Thank you Mom and Dad for an incredible weekend of fun and memories.  We loved every second of it and can't thank you enough for making that possible for all of us.

M is for the Many Things She Gave Me...

I have an amazing Mom.  

3 Favorite Childhood Memories of My Mom Include:

-Always there when I got home from school

-Forcing...I mean encouraging us to get a suntan
-Introducing us to classic movies & books

3 Favorite Teenage Memories of My Mom:
-My closest friend and advocate
-Never mad when I sluffed...I mean came home "between" classes
-Introduced me to the nectar of the Gods, aka: A Refill With Good Ice

3 Favorite Thoughts About my Mom Now That I am a Mom:
-She loves her kids more than anything in the world
-Is proudest of her role as a mom more than any other accomplishments in her life
-Would do anything for her family

Here are some of my favorite photos of her from when she was younger:

Some pictures from her modeling portfolio from her days of modeing in NYC.

My dad made me promise him when I was about 11-years-old, that I would always be close to her.  I have not forgotten my promise.  One thing is clear, my mom loves being a mom and has always reminded me through her example that family is where it's at. 

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!

Back to Life

We survived our trip to Utah...barely.  We all got sick.  The stomach flu went though every one of us including my siblings and their kids and my mom and dad.  Our week was literally spent on my parent's couch and taking breaks to wash sheets, towels and clothes.  Dumb.  My kids feel a little sad that we only did 2 things on their list of "musts" in Utah, but oh well.

We drove home late Saturday and were able to miss a major snow storm that would have made the drive a  nightmare.  Romney drove the whole way.  We were really sad however, because in order to miss the storm, we had to miss a gathering with some of our dearest friends from Boston who we have not seen in years.  Too bad.

Despite the sickness, we were still able to enjoy some quality time with family.  Here are some of the highlights: 

My Amazing Parents

Preparing for the Thanksgiving Meal (Savanna, Christian, Mom, Dad, Lauren & Thomas)

Six of Eight Siblings (Savanna, Kara, Eliza, Marisa, Christian)

All 16 Williams grandkids with Nan & Dwight

Girl Cousin Sleepover at Nana & Grandpa Dewey's House

Enjoying a Jazz Game with my darling Dad

We are now home and are slowly coming back to life.  We somehow woke up in time for the kids to take the bus...at 6:58 AM.  (Miracle). Our trip was great and we loved being surrounded by family and to have the opportunity to remember our bounteous blessings with people we adore. 

I guess it is time to bring out the tree???