S’all about family

The weekend of my 35th high school reunion also included reunions with family in the Bay Area.  I got to spend some wonderful time with my brother Stephan and his family…

  And on Sunday the whole extended family gathered for a reunion of sorts.  Some of my favorite people were there… 

…like my three brothers, who see each other as much as I see them – even though they all live in the Bay Area and I live in Seattle.  Grrrrr!

And my favorite cousin, Claud-hopper!

And my nieces, daughters of…

 

…my “baby brother” Chris:

(Did I tell you about the time I was in Florence, Italy and a random guy came up to me and exclaimed, “You must be a H__mann (my maiden name) because no one could look that much like Chris H and not be related to him!”)

And my niece, Niki, the oldest of my dad’s grandchilden, who span more than 25 years from oldest to youngest.

That’s Nikki with Hannah…

…and Niki with Claudia.

…and Ulli, my wonderful aunt, Claudia’s mom, with Chris.

Lot’s of grandchildren were there, but my four kids were all missing.  :-(

We did some walking…

…and some eating…  (OK, lots of eating!)       

And just hung out, enjoying each other’s company.

Then we gathered for an impromptu family memorial for Toby.

…sharing memories…

  and photos… 

…and loving on Toby’s son, Gabe…

…who reminds us so much of his dad – and who misses his dad so much.

So much.

Before we all went our own ways, we got a quick family shot of the whole “meschpoche.”  The patriarch of the family, my dad, is so glaringly missing.  We all really wished he and Lou could have been there. 

But alas…