Here she is – Madelyn Saige Conrad! We can hardly wait to meet her (and hug the rest of them too!)

The new “sisters” -

And the whole family -

I have a very special affinity for this new little one. We share not only birth order (we’re both the 3rd daughter), but she was born just one day shy of my birthday. I think we’ll be good friends!

The wedding was wonderful. It’s a very special wedding when folks can’t decide whether they’re “friends of the Bride” or “friends of the Groom” because they know and love both of them. I have lots of pictures that I’ll be getting uploaded over the next couple of days, but right now we’re just hanging around in the afterglow of a beautiful weekend. The gang here at the Fitzpatrick’s has thinned out. All the siblings have returned to their respective homes (Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia), and Elna & Henry are on their way home to Vermont. So the house is quiet, the living room is full of “stuff” that now needs to be sorted through and put away, and we were all very happy for the after church nap. Gary & I are hanging around for this next week before we head to Ohio to meet Maddie (and distribute those hugs) and celebrate Thanksgiving. And we do indeed have so very much to be thankful for!

Little Maddie and Mom (Tammy) are doing well, and trust me, pictures will be following soon! And of course we’re very excited that we’ll actually get to meet her in just a week or so!

And on the wedding front…..
the Big Day is tomorrow, and we’re in pretty good shape. The reception hall is all set up, the church is decorated, and the family is beginning to arrive! After a mere 26 hrs. on the road, Gary arrived yesterday about 11:00am. My sister and husband arrived from Vermont just before dinner, and Chris (sister of the bride) arrived just around 1AM.
Today’s agenda:
Finish decorating the foyer at the reception hall (that includes the appetizer table and gift table and finding just the right homes for our 6 giant ferns).
Cutting and arranging 36 or so loaves of tea breads (for said appetizers)
Cutting 25 pineapples
LUNCH WITH JUST THE SISTERS (that would be Elna, Joie & Me)
And any other miscellaneous detail “stuff” that will crop up!

It’s getting pretty exciting around here!

But mostly we’re excited about that beautiful new granddaughter! Such blessings!

Greetings from Green Park, PA!
I made it safely to chilly Pennsylvania, the suitcase is unpacked, and I’m busy making lists for Joie and Abby (the bride)! Right now we’re catching up on laundry and finishing up a batch of some very delicious cheese straws. (We’re using our grandmother’s recipe – so that’s pretty cool!). Later we’ll head out to the store – you know, that list!
Lots to do – just wanted to say hello!
(and Happy Belated Birthday to Connie!)