Great Uncle Whitey and Aunt Anne's House

It seems to be the tradition that every time all of the Ruppert kids are in town there is a get-together at the house of my uncle Mark, the guy my kids lovingly referred to as "Uncle Whitey" since the whole Great Uncle Mark and regular Uncle Mark was getting too confusing.  I think my mom came up with the name.  Or my Aunt Diane.  Either way it was the name thought up by one of his sweet older sisters.

When we all arrived a photographer came and took a big family picture. Which reminds me that I actually need to order one of those.  The guys were all ready to change out of their white shirts and jeans.  Just when my cousins thought we were all done and had changed, the ladies made them get dressed again so we could get a picture of my grandparents with the grandkids and great grandkids.

 While we absolutely LOVE our grandparents/great grandparents the only difference between Gus and the rest of the guys is that Gus is not as good at showing his displeasure.  Three of these guys had already changed into comfy clothes and had to dig out the white shirts again.  They were great sports about it though.

 Everyone enjoyed talking to long lost Mark.  Since he hasn't made an appearance in 5 years.  Mark goes for quality, not quantity.

 The boys enjoyed playing with the trains my Aunt Anne keeps around.  My cousin Ben was a big Thomas the train fanatic too.  My Aunt Nancy also brought the boys some new Hess vehicles.  These were a big hit.

 John always gives a hug to show his thanks.  Gus says thank you quietly without looking at you.  And Anders is quick to say thanks but doesn't always want to take the time to stop what he is doing.

 What's a birthday celebration for my grandmother without cheesecake?  My aunt found these cool candles where the fire matched the color of the candle.

 Anders wanted some cake.  He is asking with his eyes.  He usually gets his message across.

 Fritz enjoyed the cool air and the grass that was not filled with thistles or ants.

 Fritz also believes he is a lapdog.  There is no convincing him otherwise.  He isn't always good about giving a clear signal before he plops right in your lap.  If you are on the floor he assumes you are there to pet him.

Gus and my Aunt Nancy had some nice bonding time over Fritz.  I'm pretty sure he told her that Fritz was a comfort dog.  Seems only fitting that I can't convince Gus otherwise.

Games

My family loves playing games.  I remember playing a ton of games when I was little.  The funny thing is I don't really like playing games.  I know, I'm weird.  Not only am I the only one in my family that doesn't always enjoy a good game, I also married a guy who loves games.  I'm outnumbered in many ways.

 John loves knocking people off of the board but he doesn't like it when it is done to him.

 This game took FOREVER!

 Hans and Mark were getting ready for the big trivia game that night.  And by getting ready I mean cheating by reading all of the questions and answers.  (Editor's Note: The questions we read never came up.  Katie is just a sore loser.)

 I love this picture.  I wish John's face wasn't so blurry.

Food, Fun and Family

It's officially September and I'm still blogging about events that occurred in July. It was a very busy month filled with lots of picture taking opportunities.

One of the days while in New York, we all headed over to my Uncle Mark and Aunt Anne's house.  For the past few years, every time we are in town my Uncle Mark and Aunt Anne host a dinner for the whole family.  It's nice to get everyone in one place.

Fritz immediately took a liking to my Aunt Anne since she gave him a cheesy-bone.

Hans was probably making fun of Jimmy and Jimmy was giving it right back.  Hans was probably making fun of Jimmy's tall, black "old man" socks and Jimmy was probably reminding Hans that he beat him in Madden football and various other Wii games.

There was also lots of corn to shuck.  I think we had corn on the cob almost every night and I just couldn't get enough.  This is corn from a roadside stand, not the grocery store.  There is a big difference.

Then Fritz met London.  Fritz was excited to meet another dog.

For whatever reason Fritz insists on licking every dog he meets.  This will probably not end up well for him.

And even though Fritz is feisty, he always manages to get pinned by girl dogs and smaller dogs.  Man up, Fritz.

Both of my grandparents love to watch their grandchildren and great grandchildren play.  They feel lucky to be blessed with such a family and we feel lucky to have them.

The food was fantastic.

My Aunt Anne made this bean dip salsa stuff the Anders just loved.  My mom made it for John's party a few weeks later and he went crazy putting handfuls of it in his mouth.

Pool time!  I couldn't find all of my pictures but I was sure I had one with my Aunt Anne blowing this thing up also.

 I think Hans had just as much fun as all of my cousins.

John decided he liked putting his head underwater.

He had no fear.

 At some point my Aunt Anne brought out all of my cousin Ben's old Thomas trains.  All three boys were very content.

A good time was had by all.  There was lots of laughing, screaming, running, eating, swimming, playing and talking.  I look forward to this every year.

Last Day

On our last day in New York we went over to my Uncle Mark and Aunt Anne's house to attend my cousin Ben's graduation party. There was lots of great food, like beef on wick, and lots of family.

Ben, the graduate, with his new GPS system. Hans was salivating...



Matt holding Gus, while my Uncle Mark and Aunt Anne make him smile.




My aunt and uncle have a swimming pool and John couldn't wait to jump in.








He had no fear when it came to jumping in. There were a couple of times when Hans wasn't ready.