Small Group Dinner Surprise!

This past Friday, we had a scheduled small group gathering.  Aaron and Lisa asked if they could host and said that they wanted all of us to arrive with hungry bellies.  They would be providing dinner for 26+ small group members. I had been stressing about it all week for Lisa.  BOTH, Aaron and Lisa, instructed us to bring NOTHING.  Lisa seemed really calm and collected, making me wonder what is seriously wrong with me OR HOW is she NOT stressed out. I can honestly say, my personality would never be able to not only handle, but also desire to have 14 children, under the age of 9, eating dinner in my home. 

At 5:00 pm, Lisa called and said, "Well, I've been keeping a little secret.  We aren't actually eating at our home.  We are going to all meet at Mamma Maria's.  Aaron and I reserved the banquet room and we are treating everyone to dinner!"  YAHOO!!!!! We have NEVER been able to do an outing like that. Our children have always been either too young or too unpredictable to take that chance.  We do our annual pumpkin patch tradition.  We've also enjoyed the lake together, but never have we chanced eating at a restaurant.  

 The men were so jealous of our girls' photo that they had to copy us!!! LOL! Below, they sported their special poses.

The banquet room was all set up when we arrived.  The kids had ONE big "kid table" and the adults had ONE big "grown-up table".  It was so much fun to be together in an new atmosphere.  Watching our children hanging out and thoroughly enjoying each other was probably the biggest blessing than anything else that night.  

I am really NOT sure what has gotten into Lilah.  Every single pose she insisted on doing that silly pose. Haha.  Let's hope her "Jersey Girl" look is not turning her persona ghetto.  LOL!

The only thing sweeter than a group of 14 kids growing up together, is their parents doing life together TOO! My only fear is that these kids are SOOOOO close that they will NOT even consider each other as candidates for spouses :)

Aaron and Lisa were very generous to treat all of us to a wonderful evening out.  We made sure to take some pictures that we rarely have the opportunity to capture.  Aaron even planned a comical skit for the girls to do in front of the guys. There's NEVER a dull moment when we are with each other.  Never in a million years would I have thought our small group would be what it is today, but I feel beyond grateful to God for blessing us with such a great group of friends who share the same goal... living for the Lord.

Aaron is every kids' favorite.  He is just like a BIG kid. Jody thinks she's a big kid!!! LOL! Above, Aaron was keeping the kids entertained.  Below, the girls were swarming Aliza aka "Miss Popularity".  She's the youngest and newest addition to our group!

Our little girls insisted on getting a "girls' photo" of their own, after they saw their mommy's friends taking a girls' photo. Below are their sweet faces.

Then, they wanted to act just like their daddies...goooooofy! 

 I can honestly say my life would NOT be the same without this group of people.  

Family isn't always blood.  It's the people in life, who want you in theirs.  The ones who accept you for who you are.  The ones who'd do anything to see you smile and who will love you no matter what.  Encourage you and hold you accountable!