Family Reunion 2013

I always look forward to the end of June and the beginning of July as it's family reunion/town celebration time.  I'm not always able to be home for all of it, but this past year I was home for most of it.  The best part is being with family.  This particular year a lot of the extended family came into town, so we had even more fun, especially because of the little babies.  Bryan and Chelsey were kind enough to let me bring Hayden and Hannah over to Lovell early to enjoy some of Lovell's Days, particularly the parade.  They absolutely LOVE the parade.  This was also their first time staying at the house with Papa Ed there.  They are huge fans of Papa Ed.  They snuggled right up to him the moment he got home every night from work.  I didn't mind too much by that point in the day.  I was usually ready for the break.  We'd sit outside every night on the back porch and listen to the wind (it was weird weather for June/July).  It was a pretty nice break.

One day, Mike put on some music over the house speakers and Grandma decided to dance with the kiddos.  They loved it.  I'm pretty sure Grandma did, too.  What's even more impressive was she let us take pictures.  What's even more impressive than that was that this was on a Sunday and the music was NOT Sunday related.  Yes, her children are a bad influence on her.  ;)

Hayden, Hannah, Whitney, Bekah, and Grandma

Ashlie, Bryce, and their small family stayed with us, too.  Their son Henry was born just a few weeks before that.  The little girls loved taking turns holding him.  He was so good to let them.

Whitney and Henry

Hannah and Henry

Sariah, Ethan, Hayden, Bekah

As we do every 4th of July, we had a big family dinner.  We usually do it at Janet's house, but this year it rained.  And when I say it rained, it POURED!  It was a torrential downpour for hours.  The streets were flooding it was so bad.  Good thing we know someone (Ed) who has keys to the community center.  We quickly passed the word via phone and text that the party was moving there.  I felt so bad because Janet had spent so much time setting up games and getting things ready in her yard.  Frustrating for her!  We still had a good time, though.  We had half the room for eating and half for the kids to run around in.  We had the regular pinatas for the kiddos, which they truly enjoy every year.  I'm honestly surprised no one has gotten hurt over the years with how hard some of them swing the stick/bat.  This year someone broke it, but no one got hurt.

Me with Great Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Gilbert

Rylee and Karren

All of us

At one point, Mike took us out on his boat.  It's always a good time.  The kids love watching the adults (guys) do crazy things.  Mike and Bryan are always up for entertaining us.

Heidi Boo

Chelsey, Heidi, Hannah, Hayden

Tan Whitty-Bug

Weston

Whitney pretending to ski

Weston being a goof