Family Reunion Time

Well, I have to begin by saying I am very disappointed in myself. I didn't take very many pictures of the family reunion. So, I may have some pictures that have been stolen from others who were there (off their blogs probably). Everyone was able to attend. All 8 siblings, their spouses and their children (as well as a boyfriend) totalling in at 28 people. Wow!! The 5 days were full of fun, food, and lots of visiting.

Day one:

Arrival--When we got there, everyone was there except Steve's family and Brady and Jocelyn.

Dinner--Pizza, soda, and salad

Didiers--a frozen yogurt joint in Spokane. Delicious...when the whole family is around it is a tradition for us all to invade Didiers with our small group of perfect behaving people.

Evening--playing, games, snacking, movies, bedtime

Day 2:

Mosaic Stepping Stones--This morning we went to Merryglen to help the residence put together mosaic stepping stones to display in the yard. This kids were really helpful and patient. Each stone was to represent the resident decorating it. I think they really enjoyed getting their hands a little messy and being able to be creative.

Silverwood--So, I don't have many pictures of us at Silverwood. We were having too much fun to take any I guess. We started off at the water park. They have a kid area with slides, fountains, water guns and a pool area. This is where we spent our entire time. Well, we also did the Lazy River a couple of times too. The weather was great...kind of hot (90 degrees), but very bearable considering the previous days were around 100 degrees. Next, we headed over to the rides. The kids loved them. Lincoln especially liked the rides that make you dizzy...Dave did not. Kiya and Cooper loved the roller coasters and rode everyone they were tall enough for. They all did a great job considering how long of a day it was. I don't remember any major breakdowns...amazing!

Day 3:

Lake Day--We traveled to Sandpoint Idaho to a really great park. It was on the lake, so we brought the Jet Skis, sand toys, swimsuits, towels, longboards, sack lunches, and lots and lots of sunscreen. The kids had a great time on the beach playing in the water and the sand. The adults enjoyed Jet Skiing, innertubeing, longboarding and visiting.

When the sun was about to set we went to a local pizza place. Fun was had by all!

The Ram--On the way home, we stopped at a place for ice cream. Several kids were so worn out, they were sleeping on the table or chairs of the restaurant.

Bed Time--When we got home the kids were sent to bed and the adults played games and watched movies.

Day 4:

Today is the 4th of July. We began celebrating by having family pictures...theme: Red, White, and Blue. I think we were able to get a few usable shots.

This one however may need to be edited a bit. These are all of Dave's siblings. Sometimes I will claim them as family and then moments like these make me hesitant. Actually I really enjoy being around each one of them. As Kiya says "They're a crazy family!".

Chelsea did a great job with the family Olympics. We were divided into teams and had several different activities and relays. My team took the Silver medal however the Gold medal team cheated! :)

The day was ended with a fireworks show Dave provided. The kids loved watching the Roman candles being shot through the air. They also enjoyed the really long sparklers that changed colors.

God Bless America!!

Day 5: The Final Day

Today, we spent the day playing at the house and visiting Riverfront Park.

We fed the ducks, rode the carousel, had snow cones, longboarded, fed the garbage goat, and slid down the giant red wagon. People began leaving this day. 1st Brady and Jocelyn then Lindsay, Kyle and Cougar. When we got back home, there was always food to enjoy as well as good company. The evening was enjoyed by the women watching a "chick flick". A good bonding experience when we appreciate our husbands taking the children for a while.

The Wrap Up: Overall, the reunion was wonderful. Thank you Debbie and Steve. We had a wonderful time. You did a great job preparing everything for total enjoyment. We love you!! And, we love this chance we had to make some wonderful memories. Also, thank you to those who I stole the pictures from. It is because of you that my progenitors will have pictures from this reunion. I will try to do better next time.

She really is 7 now!

Well today is Kiyas true birthday. We spent the time at my moms because she promised Kiya that she would make her a Barbie Doll cake. Kiya had no intentions on missing out on that. She even got to help decorate it. So pretty! We found out that Teagan (a cousin) was going to be there too and he had a birthday at the beginning of the month, so we had a combined party. Cooper helped Grandma make a caterpillar cake for Teagan out of Twinkies. It also turned out really cute.

Kiya pretending to blow out the candles...I forgot them:(

This is the rowdy crew. Lots of cousins means for lots of fun for a birthday party!

Kiya got a Webkinz for her birthday. It has been long awaited. I think she's been asking for one for over a year....well she finally got one and she loves it. She named her little dog Coppertone.

Sitting up already!

Well, this is McKays 4 month birthday and he decided to sit up for the first time. Only for short periods of time, hence the somewhat blurry picture. I'm not sure if I want him to grow up as fast as he is...can't they stay babies forever?

Kiya turns 7 (almost)!

My baby is turning 7! Kiya decided for her birthday party, with friends, that she wanted to go to the Seattle Center and do the rides and miniature golf. She was able to invite 2 friends (Lousie and Mia) along with our family. We did a deal where we paid one amount for 1hour of unlimited rides and golf. Unfortunately, the kids were to short for the big rides and had to stay mainly with the kiddie rides, but they still had a lot of fun.

You can barely see Kiya, but her arms are wrapped tightly around her daddy.

Here are the kids on the Frog Hop. They went on this ride 3 times in a row.

Kiya and her friend Louise on the animal ride.

Kiya did the rock climbing. She never made it all the way to the top, but she tried hard:)


Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, Dear Kiya! Happy Birthday to you!


After a long day of rides, golf, presents, dinner, and cupcakes, the party was just starting.....with an art project. They each painted a sign with their names on them.



Next came the manicures and pedicures. Beautiful nails ladies!! At this point, it was well after midnight. Kiya then wanted to do makeup and hair..."Aren't you tired?" Even though they said they weren't, I talked them out of the hair and makeup and finally put them to bed.

10 Minutes later: Not tired? Yeah right!!
Still looking beautiful in the morning...even with only 6 hours of sleep:0

Dave turns 33!!

Happy Birthday Dave!! I am so glad you were born. Who ever said that aging isn't becoming, hasn't seen Dave. I think he is way cuter now then he was almost 12 years ago when I met him. Just look at him! Isn't he the hottest 33 year old you've ever seen!! I'm so lucky! Oh yeah...and he's nice, smart, fun, blah, blah, blah and very, very handsome!

Catch up time!!

Wow!! Summer has been in full swing. So, now it is time to catch you all up on our life. I just wish I could sleep anywhere like Lincoln so I could catch up on my sleep:)