Annual YD Gathering

Uncle Jack explained the rules of the guessing game.

Veronica was clearly having a ball.

The annual YD gathering is traditionally set for the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year was no exception. But was what exceptional was the weather: 66 degrees and sunny. In late November! Wow.

This year, I did not ride my BMC to Glenwood, though it would have been much warmer than last year (which was also nice). So we piled into the van and made the trip across the river to see our cousins and many more.

The traditional format of an all-kids game was superseded by a competitive game of wiffle ball. Emily biffed her face on the turf trying to stop at third base. And two bats and one ball were broken. But it was terrific time, as usual.

Poor Olivia had to guess the identity of someone she had never heard of.

Veronica had a Disney princess on her back.

Julia (left) finished third in the guessing game.

Julia (left) and Emily knew who Devon had on her back (Bill Gates).

Afterwards, the contestants showed off their celebrity identities.

Grandma Weide was very proud to have everyone pose for this photo.

Of course, the "stair game" was played. Emily (right) seemed to enjoy it the most.

This was the best we could do for the annual photo-on-the-stairs.

Busy Saturday Outdoors

Lauren and her unusual head gear were soaring high (with help from a ladder).

The weather this month has been unusually mild, with afternoon temperatures in the low to mid 50s. Saturday was no exception and we took full advantage of it by getting outside.

In addition to a few games of kickball and throwing and kicking the football around, I also asked Emily to help clean the gutters. This led to some nice photo opportunities (see below), as well as Lauren going halfway up the ladder before chickening out and heading back down.

There was also a bit of dress up taking place indoors, as Veronica went through my BMC Racing Team wardrobe to become Taylor Phinney. Yes, she said she was dressing up as Taylor Phinney. If he only knew...

Veronica started with my Oakley glasses and a BMC Racing Team podium cap.

She eventually donned all kinds of BMC Racing Team riding gear.

This massive promotional elevator from Aksarben Cinema was a nice thought
and gift from Uncle Jon and Aunt Bridget. But it didn't fit through the basement door.

Which princess is behind this character from "Hotel Transylvania"?

Veronica had her own scary dude.

Here is Lauren's favorite guy from the movie.

Emily had a little fun after she was done cleaning the gutters.

Veronica also got a little time in on her bike.

This is what was left of that elevator cutout after Julia and Olivia broke it down.

We also moved Aunt Jean's organ, with some help from Uncle Neil.

Blast From The Past

Cousin Steve sent me this photo. It's probably from 1981 or 1982.