Bath-time Fun!

Our cute little Abby has absolutely hated baths since the day she was born.  Everytime we put her in water she would just freak out.  Well, last week we started something new.  We have a pretty big kitchen sink and since she can now sit up, we let her take her bath in there.  Miracle!!! She loved it...loved splashing and kicking.  It was too fun!!

Besties!!!

These two cute girls spent the week of the family reunion in best friend heaven.  They loved being together....they are crazy, adventurous, silly, loving and sometimes a little naughty but they sure love each other.  It's so funny to see them together and it was equally heartbreaking to see them have to say good-bye.  Lauren has shed many tears since Kaitlyn left and keeps asking when we'll see her again.  I sincerely hope it's soon!

How Low Can You Go?

To end the Sock Hop, we had a friendly game of limbo...which turned out to be quite impressive.  Of course the little kids were great, but some of the adults displayed some hidden talents of their own.  I wish I could show you all the pictures but here's a small sampling of the fun.  In the end, it was Kat's boyfriend T.J. that won....he had some serious limbo skills. 

Emily and some other of the kids, may not have completely understood the rules to the game!

These two, Travis & T.J were the last two adults and despite some crazy flexibility of Travis's ankles, T.J. prevailed!

Rockin' around the Clock Tonight!

To celebrate my parents anniversary, we threw a 50's Sock Hop up at our reunion.  Thanks to some awesome decorations and food, we created a wonderful evening.  We started the evening off with a diner style meal~ burgers & fries in red baskets.  After dinner, Liz & Travis taught everyone to swing dance.  Apart from my cute niece Ally, I wouldn't really consider our family the dancing type but Liz & Travis were awesome teachers and I was so surprised at the level of effort put into learning the dancing, especially from the teenagers.  They tried everything Liz & Travis did, including some not-so-easy lifts and flips.  We had the best time!  After the dancing, we had a big game of limbo (more on that later) and topped the night off with some ice cream sundaes.  It was such a fun night~one for the memories for sure!

My girls all dressed up for the night!

Emily & Curtis workin' the twist..so cute.

These two were troopers...they tried everything and I'm sure came out with some bruises to prove it!

Matt & Annie...the newleweds got some moves!

Such concentration!

The guest of honor!!! (and my cute baby!)

Magic!

Liz & Travis teaching the flip!

You want me to do what?

Family Reunion 2011

 We kicked off the month of July with my family reunion.  This year's reunion was particularly special since we were also celebrating my parents 50th anniversary.  We kicked of the festivities by spending the 4th at my brothers place.  We had an amazing meal, a kiddie bike parade, tons of water activities and capped off the night with an amazing display of fireworks (courtesy of the men!)  I didn't take great pictures on the 4th but here's our girls all dressed up for family pictures!

The next morning we packed everyone up and headed to McCall to spend a week on the lake.  It was fabulous.  The lake was empty since most people had spent to 4th on the lake and headed home.  We had it all to ourselves and we had a great time.  As usual my brothers spent the day shuttling kids on the boats.  This year was more fun for us because Emily and Lauren actually wanted to go on the boats and jet skis.  Lauren was an animal.  Two years ago she wouldn't step foot on a boat and this year we couldn't get her off. It was fun but  a little nervewracking.  She always wanted to go FAST!! Besides sitting by the lake we had fun evenings filled with talents, memories, parties and games (more to come.)  It was so wonderful to spend the week with my family and get caught up with everyone!

Lauren with some of her cousins waiting for the boats to come back in.  She preferred to ride with the boys since they like to go fast.



Emily and her cousin in the canoe...She loved the canoes this year and was actually quite good.  I was pretty impressed.



This is how Abby spent most of her week.  Either sleeping of sitting on someones lap....she especially loved Annie!!



50 Years!

In June, my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  It's crazy because I always think Jason and I have been married so long but then I look at my parents and realize that 50 years is a long time and we've definately got a ways to go.  Fortunately for us, we have great examples to follow.  I am so grateful for my parents and for all that they do for our family.  As an adult and parent, I look back and realize just how much love, time and effort my parents put into their kids.  We have a pretty great family (in my humble opinion) and I know that we are what we are because of my parents.

Happy 50 Years Mom & Dad!

This is them on their wedding day!!  (Sorry the picture quality is not that great!)