Family Reunion--Elko, NV--June 2009

We spent the last week in Elko, NV at my parents house. My sister and her family, my brother and his family, and my other brother were all there as well. It was so much fun to see them. The cousins got along beautifully. I think the best way to sum up our trip is with photos. There will be a lot so get prepared for a super long entry. Here goes:

The night we had a bonfire there was a gorgeous sunset! I took tons of pics and these are the best ones.

Rachel enjoying the bonfire.

When the kids got up in the mornings they were most often playing Uno Attack!

Audrey and Cherith watching a movie together. Probably Scobby Doo 2. That was the preferred movie of all the kids.

Alexis and Rachel. Rachel did not like to be away from her Mom or Dad. She got more comfortable around the 3rd and 4th day. Alexis was really good with her. I see a great babysitting career ahead!

Mom and Dad's house.

Mom makes Humanitarian Kits every month as her own personal service project. We got all the older kids together to help make 20 kits. They really enjoyed it. Audrey did help with this project but refused to be in the picture.

Mom and Dad and all 10 grandkids.

We had a cousin book exchange this year. It was really fun. The kids loved getting books from each other with a little inscription about why they liked that particular book.

We had a great bonfire on Thursday night. We made smores and enjoyed the warmth from the fire.

Bonfire.

Thanny in front of the fire. I think this is an awesome picture.

Audrey enjoying her smore.

We did have two mishaps that week. One was locking the baby in the air conditioned car. We were on our way to hike in the canyon. I believe Tim eventually got the car unlocked with some tool or another. The kids were so worried about 9 month Rachel (although she was perfectly safe). When the car was unlocked I've never seen kids move so fast to gather in the van around her. So cute.

We spent a couple of hours up in the canyon. It was beautiful. Peggy and I decided we need to get another sister shot (like the one from Yellowstone). Too funny. This is us sitting on a rock and reading while the others hike. :)

Dana and Rachel.

Bekah and Elizabeth.

The canyon.

Catching chipmunks became a daily activity. Especially for Alexis and Megan. Between all the kids they caught 44 chipmunks! They were all released after they were named.

Still catching chipmunks.

The first two days at Mom and Dad's the men got busy and finished their shed. I think the guys really enjoyed this process. It gave them a great project to work on. Ben also put up little fences around all the fruit trees that my brother James planted.

And what project is ever complete without someone getting injured? Andy cut his leg a little bit. So naturally I had to document it! It didn't stop him from playing basketball the next night either.

The kids played and played and the adults played Phase 10 Dice every chance they got. The men got to watch some soccer. I got to go for a 4 mile run three times, in almost 7000 feet of elevation. That was hard! We also went swimming at the local pool one afternoon but it was crowded and hot and I had to be in the pool the whole time with Audrey. We didn't go back. :)

Thanks Mom and Dad for hosting us and letting us take over your room and house! Thanks Tim for cooking us such wonderful meals! Thanks Andy and family, and Peggy and family, and James for making a very memorable trip. We had so much fun and hope that we make this a yearly outing! We love you and miss you already!