Monday, July 28, 2008

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.

5 comments:

Corey said...

What a cool reunion! I wish my family would get together and do one! I love the photo of the huge wagon slide! Looks like everyone had a great time!

Jen said...

Fun pictures! You and Dave have a great family together. What a fun summer!

chelsea mckell said...

Youre welcome for the pics :) The only reason I blogged it right away is cuz I knew Id never go back and blog them later. Some of these pics I hadnt seen yet.... Kiya and Annalee are so cute together! Im so glad all the grandkids have cousins their same age. Especially this group of nathan, mckay, dean, and brianna.... that will be so fun in a couple years to see them running around together.

jocelyn said...

Correction, the gold team did not cheat. We just happened to have a very competitive Kiya on our team. Her cartwheel skills gave us the extra push we needed to win! I'm glad you updated the blog!

Debbie said...

Jenny - you're BACK! Thanks so much for your remembrances. Whew - we pulled it off and you're right - very few (and no major)meltdowns! It is a wonderful feeling to have ALL your children gather. So many tried so hard and with personal sacrifice to come together. You are lovely Jenny (not a new thought - probably an 11yr + thought!) Thanks! Mom S