The blessings of family

One of God's greatest blessings is our families. They love us, comfort us, rejoice with us, sharpen us, knock off our rough edges. And in my case, they traipse all over the country to attend weddings!


Here are Nikki and Tim with Grandma Finnegan (Marilyn, Dave's mom), on the way to do something important in Grand Rapids, before the rains came.

And here are Grandpa and Grandma Hanson (Jack and Shirley Hanson, Chris's parents), after they braved the first day of rain and made it to the rehearsal. All the grandparents travelled from New Mexico.

This is my brother Jeff, his daughter Rachel, and wife Marsha. They trooped all the way from Cedar Falls, IA, and were a blessing to us!

My youngest brother Matt, His wife Maria, and daughter Zoe drove over from Chicago. They put together an amazing slide show for the reception, and Matt videotaped the wedding. Thanks for your love and support, guys!

Here is Dave with my sister, Jeni, who came from Cedar Rapids, IA. Jeni stayed at the reception until the ship went down to make sure I had help if I needed it. Love you, Jen!

And my sisters Gwen (and her family) and Anne weren't able to make it this time around, and were very much missed. But they made it, along with all these wonderful family members, to Minnesota last December for Ben and Elsa's wedding. We feel very blessed and very loved by you all!