A Joyous Occasion in May

Being entirely to far behind on blog posts... I bring you back to May! The end of May to clarify if that makes it any better. An event that had the family traveling. Traveling and staying overnight for the first time as a foursome! 

Preparations had to be made to keep everyone happy.

Speaking of keeping everyone happy... can I just say thank goodness for cartoons at all times of the day!

The event that had everyone excited involved a rehearsal. That's how big this event was! After the rehearsal, there was wind down time as well. 

For some of us... for others it was "push great grandpa around" time.

Even though the kids never seem to want to wind down, it's okay! 

Because that's why there are aunts and uncles around!

Thanks to those aunts and uncles...

A husband and wife can actually pose for a picture!

Alone!

Like it was... once upon a time...

A time before, well, a time before a queen size bed had to be shared with a little gremlin.

Pretty please with yourself eh, Levi?

I thought so.

Alright... let's let out the reason for all the excitement...

I'll tell Avery first...

"Avery... your auntie Steph is going to get married!"

"Listen, I'm serious! She really is!"

"She's going to take the plunge and marry a really awesome guy."

"That IS exciting news! I know!"

"There she goes!"

"It's okay. Don't be nervous! She'll do fine, she'll repeat the words right, he'll say 'I do' and they'll both ride off in to the sunset."

"Oh, Avery... it's okay! She's in good hands! Er.. or... are those tears of joy?"

I had some of those also! You and I are some emotional saps! 

How's Levi doing?

Stone. Cold. Levi.

A real man. :)

He wants to get on with the celebrating.

Bottoms up Levi.

Looks like you're not alone, buddy. Uncle Brad is going to join you. 

Wait a minute. I don't remember taking a picture of Brad having a drink...

That's not really my type of picture. Hmmm...

Ah Hah! Now it's starting to make sense...

 Let's get that camera back. Thanks Levi. Family pic! Everyone in your best pose!

Yeah, that's as good as it gets!

"What's the matter Avery? Sick of your ma and pops? 

Who else you think your gonna hang out with?"

I should have known!

While you're gone... more pictures!

It's so nice to have everyone together for such a wonderful reason!

All the different parts of the family are always in different parts of the land! 

Wait a minute... 

no kids!

Say Cheese!

Where are the kids?

Who's with them? 

It's Dave and Steph! Cutting a rug!

All my pictures of Dave are fuzzy! 

It's a good thing I have great pictures of my gorgeous Sis!

What a great day! Not complete until I can pick on my lil sis a little however!

The next morning was a slow start...

Eventually, we got it together however.

We enjoyed a little more time with family before we all parted again!

Well, some of us enjoyed it. Others under the age of 2 started a downward spiral.

This was the beginning of Levi's with a still happy Uncle enjoying his limited time.

Lastly, because it is so rare since we've been blessed with Avery... another picture of me and my own bride.

Even more rare... was the smile on the ride home! It must have been during a rare moment of silence. 

Overall, a great weekend! 

We welcomed a new brother in to the family and shared a forever awesome moment in time with a sister we love dearly!

Who can ask for more!?! Not us! :)

Merry Christmas to the Missing Z's

A quick video that I sloppily edited this morning for your viewing pleasure...



A lot to be Thankful for...

Greeting Everyone! I hope the holiday was good to everyone and there was much time for reflecting, praying, and enjoying the time with friends and relatives!

My absence from the blog was due to several different reasons that include but weren't limited to our absence of internet and my first "Black Friday" as a store manager. Some things have to be sacrificed in the name of priorities and this blog (I'm sorry) and even deer hunting took the fall this year. I am hoping that both will return for the next Thanksgiving week!

I was able to spend some time with the family on Thanksgiving and also did get to enjoy the traditional holiday "fixings". Yum!

Speaking of which...

Who wants some pie?

I thought so...

...anyone else?

I'm thinking Sam and Kathleen might be interested...

Is that it? Anyone else?

Ok, we have a piece for you as well Steph... Kathleen... there's no limit.

Make sure you feed our boy!

That's right Avery! Not to far away!

"Seriously?"



Yes, Avery...

Next year you might have to share your pie!

Memorial Day Weekend, We'll Remember This One

So, I took the weekend and then some off from posting. It was a busy weekend! There was a lot of time spent with family from fishing to solitaire-a-thon to shopping to church and even an offer of going to the races! As mentioned in my previous post... we got to meet Steph's boyfriend, Dave. It went well... My first encounter with Dave was spent in my garage watching him install an outdoor light fixture that was held up due to lack of correct tools. So, before I met Dave, the side of my garage looked like this...

After I met Dave the side of my garage looks like this...

Before I met Dave, I had no idea that these wasp nests were under my garage doors...

After I met Dave, they are removed and all appears safe once again...

Before I met Dave, he was Stephanie's boyfriend...

After I met Dave, he became Stephanie's fiance!

Yes! It's true! I was in shock and awe at the same time since the thought had not crossed my mind that it could happen this weekend! So, in conclusion to my last post... We met Dave, we like Dave, introducing your boyfriend to your cooler older brother will probably make him your husband, and Dave is a member of the family soon! Congratulations Steph and Dave!

Reality Starts to Sink In...

One of my little brothers had a pretty big day yesterday. He took a significant step in his career or a more suitable term would be his "calling". This particular step has him moving for an entire year to Austin, Texas. I feel much shame in the fact that when I first learned of his assignment for the year, my thoughts were pretty selfish at first. I didn't want to accept it. I felt that it was the beginning of something bigger. The beginning of events that would end with all of my siblings living far too far away for my comfort or longing for continued connection and support and, well, just plain family! My sister started these feelings when she became a Minnesota resident a few years ago. I guess it didn't sink in right away because Minnesota still seemed reasonable. Now things are spiraling though. At least in my mind apparently. I have visions of her leaving and moving further away and him spending more than a year across the country some day. See? Selfish thoughts. The real kicker is that both of them are choosing to serve the Lord! How great is that!?! Yet, I still find myself upset at times and weak to see the bigger picture or acknowledge their interests. Something I really have to work on. :-(  I will overcome. Through Him I will overcome.

Of course I want the best for them both and for both of my other siblings that may someday decide that life is taking them further from home and maybe making a home for themselves somewhere else. They are all so talented and amazing to me. Each one. My brother is going to do great and my sister already does. I guess its time I think beyond and accept the Lord's plans. I shudder to think what I will do someday when Avery decides it's time to head out! Yeesh! I'm in trouble. It's a good thing I have a strong wife, right hun?

Just know that I have been thinking a lot about you knuckleheads and I love ya much! The whole family is proud of ya and we'll try not to be too selfish!

I Bet You Had NO Idea!

Today is a special day! Yes, it's true! Guess why... No, not because its tax day! It's because my little sis Stephanie has a birthday today! I was sitting at the computer thinking about my sis and her birthday being today and decided to see what the rest of the world knew of Stephanie Zastrow. I was rather surprised what I found...

A simple search for Steph on YouTube uncovered some interesting stuff! Most of you know that Steph lives in Minnesota and isn't all that far from the twin cities, right? Well, did you know that Steph has been putting in work with the St. Paul Figure Skating Club!?! I was just as surprised and impressed! Good secret Steph! I posted the video below. Apparently she has been competing in the couples category. She is wearing a red dress in this particular video and is featured with other friends from her club. There are a few spots in the video where Steph does some down right impressive moves!

Cool, huh? I am still amazed! Steph isn't one to keep these things secret...

Happy Birthday Steph!

Go easy on the cheesy potatoe chips or you might find out that its a lot harder to execute that triple double spinning flip wheeling spud tonker hoop de la whoop super one legged jump flip than you think! Just kidding, I've seen you land that one a thousand times.