Party at the Brock House!

From Jan 23. The Schantzes enjoyed a weekend away in Washington DC area to visit friends and bid bon voyage to the Zooks. Sara's parents were away so they graciously offered their house for us to stay in (harder and harder to get someone to host our growing family! ;-) Sara and Lori promptly started planning a gathering (some would say 'party'...it got kind of large), meeting at the aforementioned Brock house. So - we hosted a party when the parents were away (and not even our parents!).

Fun ensued. Lots of friends and their kids and rooms of food...good times! The kids mostly behaved themselves quite well alone in the basement with lots of toys. They did find large-ish blocks which became sticks which nearly became bats, but no one was injured... This picture looks like Zach is about to knock an innocent girl out, but we assure you it's just an odd angle.

Lori's small group (four 'locals,' one PA and one international ;-) pose here with the newest members (Caedmon and Caroline). These pictures show the small group kid-os (and two on the way!!), and dear friends' kids, the Crosses.

We are very fortunate to remain so close to so many friends in the DC area. We don't get to visit enough, but love hosting them when we're able and cherish the years we spent getting to know one another so the bonds would stay strong.