D's Family Reunion

I almost didn't go to D's family reunion - since it meant taking 6 kids in tow - but I got a welcoming invite from the hostess and I figured it would be an adventure for a few hours - so we all went!

 D's dad is #10 out of 12 children.

 Here's our crew!

 After lunch the kids were EXCITED to swim!!!

 (Ak's perfected pirate look)  (:

All the kids did great in the pool & listened!!!!

 Then they had some games - Ak wasn't so sure about the put a cookie on your forhead game . . . and try to move it to your lips and eat it.  ???  She did try - I just thought this look was funny!

A "race" (walk) with a water balloon between your knees.

 This was a hard one!  Opening up frozen t-shirts race?!   It took awhile . . . the others eventually got there (with some help) but Z's took longer - but he wouldn't stop until his was open and he was able to put it on.  (:  He was hoping to get a prize like B did - but they were already given out.  Luckily he accepted that.

Everyone was nice to all the kids and helpful!  It turned out to be a fun day (though it was HOT and HUMID) and no one got sun-burnt!!!!   I think the kids all had a good time!



Tree house started!

It's exciting!!!  We'll keep you posted of the progress!

Visitors . . . plus a dog

A missionary companion of mine from when I served a mission in Germany was moving from Ohio to Arizona and stopped by to spend a night with us since we were on their route!!!  My kids LOVED playing with her 2 kids!   I loved their blanket here with patches from all the state parks they've been to!

Z especially liked playing with her son his age!  First thing when they woke up they went outside together!

Dr. Trina D!!!!  I didn't get a picture of us together - sorry Suzannah!

I was so excited to see her!  I learned a lot living with her 15 years ago and am thankful to have met her!  I'm still learning too . . . like I think it's more polite to tell others that their animal can't come into my home because I'm allergic instead of telling them that their loved one will cause me to have an anxiety attack!  (:   

School Open House

I was brave and took all the kids to my kid's school open house.  I went late to avoid any extra talking . . .

I just wanted the kids to see their room and teacher.  Z has the same teacher that B had last year!  (:

B and I had never met her teacher . . . but she seems very nice and like she has it together.  (:

All 6  kids all did great!  I'm glad we at least went over to the school for a short while!

My Nephew

Then we got home and I was offering everyone some juice.  Devin said he wanted some - I asked him to add please to that - he said "no."  Then I said, "then no juice."  So I poured the other kids some if they said please and came back to him.  I said "if you say please I will say yes you can have some."  He said no.  then he said thoughtfully, "I said please yesterday"  I about laughed outloud.   Yes I said, "but you have to be polite everytime you ask for something. "  He was quiet and then said "no."  So I said, "okay well then no juice, that's fine if that's your choice."  And he walked away and I hear him laughing in the bedroom - so he obviously isn't tramatized.  But how funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    (:    He didn't eat the most balanced diet while staying with me and I didn't know what to push like I know with  my own kids but he accepted my terms usually without a big fuss.  (:

Pioneer Party

I wanted to make bonnets for everyone - but it didn't happen - this is a borrowed one.  (:

They looked cool in their vests!   YUMMY dutch oven breakfast casseroles, sweet quick breads, and fruit!

In the "pioneer woman room" were you could make a small rag doll, sew on a button, shake up cream, eat homemade butter on bread, or "wash" clothes.  (:

A real blacksmith and horse farrier. 

She was the only one  in our group to lasso the steer!  But the others had fun trying!

 There was panning for gold, a barbershop where you could "shave", shoe shine room, a jail, and some outdoor games that we didn't even get to . . . but with 6 kids I didn't feel bad  that we didn't do everything - I'm just glad we went.   I think they had a good time!!!  

Here is my current awesome Primary Presidency!  I have been blessed to work with great women while I'm in this calling!!!   Sister Beltran (the shorter one in white) planned this activity:  a success!   Happy Pioneer Day!

Birthday Swim Party!

 Ready!!! (:

 Yes Ak is "doggy paggling in the pool!  No floaties or ring!!!  Yea!!!  I was impressed!

 Uncle R offered that the kids could go on the zipline!  Only B was brave enough to try it!!!   She did it more than once!  (:  If it had held my size I would have tried it.  (:

Happy Birthday K - we love you!!!

Cousins!

Our Colorado Cousins came to visit!!!  They came for 10 days while their parents were in Portulgal celebrating their 10th year anniversary!!!  It was crazy at times - but they really played well together and had a good time!   Cy and Ak both got their hair cut!  (they got the other's desired cut - luckily both were cute!) 

2 of these kids with cones - are an old Companinon's from my mission - she was traveling through!  8 kids!  (:   

                                                                                                                   Everyone loves AJ! 

                                     This boy loves bread!!!            She made a chart till she'd see her mom again!

                     6 kids to an open house - exciting!

My nephew said he could jump up and climb up there - D said doubtily, "if you make that, I"ll . . . . be impressed."  WELL he jump up there and pulled himself up.  D was impressed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (: