Weddings n Stuff

Ok, Mom. Here's the answer to your e-mail. Anniversary's this summer: Mom and Dad-June, Zach and Holly-June, Amber and Carl-July, Cara and Aubry-July, Nat and Mike-August, Lauren and Sean-August.

Mom and Dad, I can't really remember too much about your wedding, Sorry.

Zach and Holly, I remember playing musical tables. First we were sitting at one table, then another and finally at the family table.

Our Wedding- Steph Workman spilled grape soda on the ribbon for my wedding bouquet the night before the wedding. Lauren had two different white shoes because she couldn't find a matching pair. She has also since apologized for her decidedly sixth grade hair style (or lack there of).

Cara and Aubry- I just loved the farm house and that will always be a marker in my memory for your wedding.

Nat and Mike- it was very hot and I was wearing black. I also remember Mike's nephew informing Uncle Mike about the ducks in the pond during his vows.

Lauren and Sean-For almost two years I worked across from the place you had your reception. Also, I think we can all remember your wedding cake horror story but more remarkably the fact that it completely didn't matter to either one of you two love birds (tweet, tweet). Mom, on the other hand...

Our Vacation Photos

Cara

Sheryl being tough

Maybe hour 4 or 5... looks fun, huh?

So pretty!

Fun in the waves

family photo before leaving

and final goodbyes

Go Speedracer...

SW VA is quite "different" from perfect tree lined suburban utopia of Fairportpittsfordpennfield. The closest thing to Eastivew Mall is an hour away in Roanoke. Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech, abounds in coffee houses, exclusive boutiques, trendy restaurants and homes starting at $300,000. However life is very different a outside of Blacksburg. We found this out two weeks ago. We decided eat out at the local steak house. While eating we witnessed several drag racers being loaded off trailers and trucks for a promotion of the local race track called the Motor Mile. Grace was thrilled! After seeing the Disney/Pixar movie Cars Grace was bitten by the car "bug". We took her out to see the cars after dinner. The pit crew offered for Grace to sit in the cars and we were given free tickets to the races the following night. I wondered what every one a home would think about the Walkers attending a drag race however, I knew at some point we'd have to start mixing with the "locals" and not looking so "yankee". So Sat. evening found the Walker clan walking to the speedway with blankets in tow. The crowd was not the same people you'd find at the Corn Hill Arts festival. One guy had a T-shirt with a huge confederate flag on the back. Under the flag read the following caption: " if you are offended by this you need a history lesson." There weren't any seats in the stadium, just concrete steps. People brought blankets or lawn chairs to sit on. I heard sinpets of conversation in long southern drawls. I smelled hot dogs and funnel cakes from the concession stands above. The national anthem began and everyone stood, hats removed,hands on hearts. I saw several mullets and some ladies wearing tube tops and spandex who probably shouldn't have. Grace loved watch the cars even though Dad had to get her a pair of ear plugs (it was REALLY) loud. In short, we had a great time.

Oh, one other thing. We gave Grace the camera to see what she would do with it and she took the pic. above of me and Carl. I think it's pretty good for only 2.5 years.

Hi everyone. I hope you all had a fun time at the beach. Sean and I certainly did. Now we're back in Indiana without much to do again. I am in process of applying for a job. I waiting to hear back from the HR dept. at the hospital to talk to them about openings. There is a woman in our ward that is a nursing supervisor at the hospital. She and I talked and she said she would email a couple of people about openings. I would really like to avoid working nights but that may or may not happen. I am wanting to probably work in ICU, they have a great nurse to patient ratio and Eva (the lady from my ward) said the people who work there are really cool. So hopefully I'll get the ball rolling and start working again.

Amber and Carl, I hope your move goes smoothly in the next coming weeks. Sorry we can't be there to help you guys. If you haven't decided about a moving truck yet, look into Penske. They were the cheapest we could find and the trucks are always in good repair. I would recommend them.

Mom I enjoyed your post about Aunt Fran and Uncle George. How old are they now? Hopefully the Cains can make it to a few more reunions in the future. I'm sure our family will grow to the point of holding our own reunions.

Before I close I would like to toot my own horn for a minute. Since Sean and I have been married I have tried to perfect the art of pie making (Sean loves pie). I have made some pretty good tasting ones, but none of them have been, should I say, good looking pies. The trickiest part of pie making is the crust, at least it is for me. Transferring the rolled out pie dough to the pie pan is next to impossible. It always breaks apart and I never leave enough over-hang to make a nice decorative edge. However, yesterday I conquered the pie crust! I figured out a system to transfer my dough to the pie pan without destroying its integrity. The result was a delicious peach pie that was aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I was so proud of myself. Now, it certainly was not the greatest looking pie, but compared to my other attempts it was glorious. I'll be sure to post the pictures we took of it.

Well that's all for now. Hope to hear from you all soon.

Love,
Lauren

Mr. and Mrs. Fourth of July

As Uncle Sam is an icon of the spirit of America so are Uncle George and Aunt Frances icons of the spirit of our family.

For the 37 years, our married life, Ron and I have been invited to the annual Kopshina/Bocco family reunion initiated, organized, and hosted by Uncle George and Aunt Fran. This event celebrates our families and America. But most importantly Uncle George and Aunt Fran have instituted a hallmark tradition in our family history.

Even though we have not been able to attend all of these gatherings, we know, as sure as there are fireworks on the Fourth, that family and friends are flocked together in the garage, under the tarp, on the porch and in the house of George and Frances in Stonewood. W. Va. They enjoy great food, stories, music, family updates and memorials. They are reconnecting at a home base where Aunt Fran wanders among the crowd greeting guests and searching out the new babies to hold and kiss. Uncle George,decked out in a wild patriotic outfit, is grilling sausages and preparing for his traditional firework display that is now the envy of Stonewood, despite possible police intervention.

Although they have no children of their own Uncle George and Aunt Fran have always been involved in their extended family. They have been shepherds who guide us to what is most important: keeping connected to our roots and remembering who we are. They took up the banner of Kopshina gatherings started at Grandma Kopshina's house. There is where I first experienced the strength of family in sunny times and through stormy seasons. There the ideals for my future family began rooting. Because of Uncle George's and Aunt Fran's example Ron and I continue this tradition in our family. We stay connected and gather as often as possible.

As I stand in the crux of senior citizenhood I have a more seasoned perspective and appreciation of those who were here before me. It is all the more reason to honor and praise Uncle George and Aunt Fran for the years of love and devotion they have given to our families. Someone may take up the traditional banner but no one can fill the shoes of their spirit.

Happy anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Fourth of July.

Karen Kopshina Cain, neice.