This was almost a year ago- we were all together to celebrate Jenni and Corey's wedding. My mother Corinne, my sister Pam, my daughter Cori and her two children Keaton and Shelby and myself had traveled to Weyerhauser to join in the fun at the reception. We had a great meal, great conversations- I had not seen Darrel's brother Kenny in a long time- it was nice to see him and his family. It was nice to see Janet and Don- it had been awhile since I had seen them also. Ann and Darrel were hosting quite a party with all the dancing and celebrating going on while we welcomed Corey and his son Isiah into our family. Zach was also home from Texas and brought his fiance home with him... we got the chance to welcome Lena into our family too. I have more pictures of this event with the kids and grown-ups dancing and having a good time!!


I was not to see everyone again until Saturday when we all gathered together to celebrate Darrel's life and to mourn his passing. Why is it that funerals are not the best time to take photos- but it does seem to pull us all together for a short time and I get my pictures when I can. They are nice to look at when I need to see you all again .... and especially for comparing one year to the next and how everyone has grown and changed!!! I hope you enjoy these as much as I did.. and I also came away with some good memories....We spent some time yesterday in the place that Ann and Darrel have spent many hours creating for their personal enjoyment and also the enjoyment of many other people. Flowers were one of Darrel's passions and it was very evident yesterday that it was something they truly enjoyed together.
















Here is where this family tree started. Mother, Corinne is seated on the lower right with Ann, the oldest daughter sitting next to her. Pam, the second daughter is standing on the right and I, the third daughter am standing on the left. The number 4 daughter, Robin was unable to be with us on Saturday- but I am sure she was thinking of all of us together.






Here is Ann with Mom and Zach and Jenni... how did the spouses not get in this picture???

















Here I am with my family- my mother, Corinne, sitting in front next to me, my husband Al standing behind me, my son Ryan and his wife Tina to the left, my daughter Cori behind me and mom, and my youngest son Luke and his wife Lisa on the right side. Ryan and Tina's children, Rylee is on my lap and Baden is standing between Mom and me.











Below we have mother with all the grandkids that were with us on Saturday. Sitting/kneeling, starting on the left we have Karl(Pam's second son), Jenni(Ann's daughter), mother of course and Ryan(Jill's oldest son). Standing in the back is Jon(Robin's oldest son), Zach (Ann's son), Cori(Jill's daughter) and Luke( Jill's youngest son).

In this photo we have added the spouse's to the shot- Jon and Chris, Karl and Kari, Zach and Lena, Corey and Jenni, Luke and Lisa, Ryan and Tina. Cori - my daughter, the redhead standing behind mother is currently looking for a new beau.

Now we have added all the kids to the mix... Isaiah and Mikaya are down in front next to Jenni, Harley(Karl and Kari's daughter) is sitting on Mother's lap, Baden is standing in front of his mom Tina and Ryan is holding Rylee. And the saga continues.. Those unable to come Saturday to be with us are Geno and Karla( Pam's oldest son and his wife) and their three children-Hunter, Arianna, and baby Gabrielle. They were busy getting Geno ready for his first day of college on Monday. Cori's children Keaton and Shelby were absent as they were visiting their dad for the weekend. Robin's other two sons, James and Jordan were unable to attend as well.

Here is Darrel's brother Kenny's family- his wife Lori and two sons- Dan and Matthew and one daughter-Christina holding one of the family pets. Grandpa Don is also in the picture with his arm around his great-granddaughter, Mikaya.

Here is the complete picture of the current Roeder family- missing Darrel's mother and Don's wife- Janet- as she was unable to come due to her health condition. I also believe we are missing another small dog and 3 more labradors and probably some cats in the mix... Once you add the pets to these pictures... now you are talking family!!!

I apologise for the bright sun- as you can see we have all been squinting.. but what a beautiful day to be outside in the yard with all the flowers that Ann and Darrel have planted for everyone's enjoyment. Looking at this was a true tribute to what they were able to do while Darrel was well. In the past months he expressed his impatience to get out and work in his flowers and yard.. but I guess now, God has someone very qualified to tend His gardens in Heaven. Blessings from all of us to you!!!!