Highlight #3 - Reunions

This summer Mike and I's families both had reunions. Mike's was camping for the 4th of July weekend. Because we were camping, the shorter time, and a ton of kids running around, our arms were full and the thought of a camera didn't even surface our minds. Hence, we have no documentation of this grand reunion. However, it was a lot of fun. We celebrated 2 birthdays - Peter's and his cousin, attended another cousin's baptism, chased kids, went boating, cooked great food, and lit off and watched fireworks. Fun was had by all.
The reunion for my family lasted about 9 days. The evening before it happend Mike had a catastrophe at work. He worked a full 24 hours, and still couldn't resolve the issue. I had a sister that drove to our house so we could carpool together to my parent's house for the reunion. I was glad she had, because I ended up leaving without Mike, with the kids and Michelle. Mike's work paid for him to fly up a few days later, when the dust had settled a bit. Poor Mike, it was really stressful, but everything has worked out okay. Anyhow, the 10 hour ride with 3 kids in the car was a work-out in and of itself. Once we got there, it was fun to see everyone and be involved in all the happenings.

To begin, a lot of this (above picture) took place. These 2 little cousins were inseparable! They played and played and made the biggest messes. They would disappear for a while, and then resurface every now and then. One time we found them in Poppy's and Grammy's shower with all the matchbox cars at their feet. Those two.....

This was another ongoing project, with my 10-year-old nephew as the catalyst. Actually, he and his dad did 90% of the work. It sure was deep! Mike is standing on a little ledge inside the hole. It was probably 5 foot deep in all - which was huge for the kids! This is also one of the few shots of Peter. He was busy as well running around with his 3 boy cousins. That kid sure played hard!

Ahhhh - swimming. This was a lot of fun! Thank's to my mom's sweet friend who lent us her pool!

And of course, what would a trip to the country be without a horse-back ride? Elsie really liked this - doesn't her face show that?

My mom put together a rather involved obstacle coarse that involved water and swings. It was fun to watch the kids try to run through the pool. Mike, the last one to finish it up, added some extra moves. He reminds me of Superman!

Meanwhile, my dad put together a rather complex treasure hunt. He had these kids shooting BB guns, putting puzzles together, digging in the dirt while trying to dodge the sprinkler circle, and all sorts of stuff. It was a riot! The treasure at the end? ICE CREAM!

This is a picture of my nephew holding up his homemade "Title of Liberty". It relates to a Book of Mormon story during a time when there was a lot of feuding among the people. A man named Moroni "rent" his cloak and wrote on it all the things he felt were worth protecting, even to the extent of fighting for. So, the cousins got to tear an old shirt and write their personal beliefs they were willing to fight for as well. Way to go!

Apparently, when there happened to be down time, the cousins all banned together and shot Nerf guns at their defenseless Aunt Rachel, just as this picture shows! They weren't provoked or anything!

I had to include this picture because I thought it was hilarious as all 20 of us were trying to fish along a 50' long bank. It was a bit scary and tiresome - little kids flinin' poles, lines getting snagged, and no one was dressed warm enough for that cold morning. Not to mention a few slides and falls in the mud! Needless to say, the fishing only lasted 45 minutes or so. No fish were caught. Better luck next time!


Swing, batter batter, Swing! Grammy puts together a great pinata! Lots of toys and candy - we really appreciated them as distractions on the car ride home. Thanks mom!

Here's the frantic gathering of the loot!

And what would a family reunion be without cheesy matching tie-dye shirts and a photo at the end!!! It was great - thanks Mom and Dad for all the hard work and the wonderful hospitality. Can't wait for 2013!