we had a great weekend down at the beach with my side of the family. there were 18 of us in all - my grandfather, my mom and stepdad, my sister, my brother and his wife, and the cousins, all ten of them.

Brian, me, Leah, Meredith, Thomas, Mama, Mike

Claire holding Annie, John, Patrick, William

Tommy, Samuel, Thomas, Margaret holding Aili

the kids had so much fun. what great memories were made with the cousins!

today is my mom's 56th birthday. we've been through good times and bad together, but i wouldn't trade her for any other! happy birthday, Mama!