FamiliaShaha: August 2016

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Steve and Sarah Get Married, and Associated Festivities

Shaha house party . . .the celebration begins!

Grandma, Dave and Wendy discussing the beverage Dave is toting (IBC Root Beer in case you're worried).

Linda, Katie , Uncle Pat, and a portion of Ben Williams' head!

Favorite hangout for the the kids during the party...a great variety of Shahas and Williamses.

Susan, rob and Megan...note the tablecloths which were made by Mom for my wedding reception nearly 43 years ago.

Jeff, the lovely couple and Stacy...smiles all around for a very good reason!

Stocktons and Shahas...Stella wasn't too excited about the festivities.

Hurl after another epic performance...from L to R, Wendy (kazoo), Dave (bass guitar), Pat (drums), Katie (vocals), Marinda (keyboard), and Ben (lead guitar). Pete and Oakley are the resident roadies.

The next day we all reconvened at the Salt Lake Temple...Natalie, Oakley, Caroline, and Emily wished that Lucy and Hailey could have been there for this group hug.

Matt and Robert Stockton, Uncle Steve and Major (P) Ben (the P means he's promotable).

Just to demonstrate the vast variety of Shaha hairstyles! From L to R...Sam, Matt, Joe, Mike and Bob

Susan, Rob, Linda, Pat, and Dave.

The happy couple!

Gaggle of nieces and nephews...James was not feeling the love.

Supportive soldiers!

And finally, a Shaha reunion at Steve and Stacy's pad, beginning with the obligatory trip to Astro Burger.

Stocktons and Tanners

Joe getting no respite from helping out with kids; we dearly missed Bethany and crew.

Water balloon fights in Steve's backyard...the adults did not fare well when it came to keeping dry.

Stacy's awesome gathering spot....oh, and Dave didn't really hit Wendy with the fly swatter.

Deep thoughts with the grandmother.

Ever the good sport, Patty prepares for a pie in the face.

The burgeoning Shaha posterity...Jim's got to be so proud, especially with Buffie's memorable toast.

Here's to Great Grampa Shaha --Diet Real Doctor sipped through a Red Vine straw...the ultimate honor for the ultimate husband, soldier, dad, grandpa, and friend. We're all looking forward to the next toast at the next wedding (no pressure John)!

A Most Triumphant Month of July!!

The month of July 2016 was a most awesomely triumphant one for the Pat and Nancy Shaha clan. Most heartfelt congratulations to Steve and Sarah on their wedding and the great celebrations we all enjoyed with them. It was wonderful having so many of our family and loved ones there, and here are a few photos to recall the good times.

We had some . . . birthdays, for James . . .

Eagerly anticipating cake and ice cream.

. . . and Oakley . . .

Caroline appears to be praying for more cupcakes.

. . . and we attended our nation's birthday at the famous Williams' 4th of July party . . .

We took the kids out to the cemetery to visit Mom and Dad. When I explained that my parents were buried here, Caroline's amazed response was, "Sweet cheese and crackers!"

Steve, Sarah, and Emily enjoying the barbeque.

Emily, Natalie and James, dancing in the loft.

Wynn's birthday party had a Star Wars theme; here the kids are as X-wing fighter pilots. I liked the informative cards on the refreshment table, "May the fork be with you," and "Vaderade" for example.

Outdoor gym rats.

Excellent fireworks and a great way to celebrate the 4th.

We also had the opportunity to have a new addition to the Shaha clan with the birth of Ben and Marinda's baby Cossette, and we were able to hold her blessing at our home along with a number of Blackburn family members, mission companions of Ben's, and other guests . . .Cosette, wearing the blessing gown originally made by her great-great grandmother, was not impressed.

Ben, Jorge, and Aaron...former mission companions...Jorge and Aaron just happened to be around and could attend the blessing...a nice reunion for Ben.