Finally - The Rest Of The Story

Ok, so it's time to sum up summer vacation. We had to document the monumental moment of 100,000 mile mark of our automobile. 100,003 to be exact. It has been a phenominal purchase. Thank you "Whitey" you have served us well.
One of the highlights of our trip was my little Daddy's side of the family -reunion. It was just an afternoon but it was wonderful! I grew up loving these lovely Great Aunts and Uncles and regular Aunts and Uncles. The event was held at it's usual location; at my Dad's Aunt and Uncle's home. A more beautiful yard, I dare you to find. The tree swing was a hit - even the parentals gave it a whirl! Big brother & little brother
Go Little Mother! What good sports! It's times like these that we really have to charish!

Four generations gathered together.

I wish my Grandparents were here to see this

The two ladies in the center are both 80+ amazing!
We got in trouble for climbing this tree - two of my lovely sisters and my dear cousin K.
We had a little day at the man-made beach. It was a blast! The parentals chilled, the mothers visited and tended wee-ones and the kiddos = played all the live long day!

So many more noteworthy moments transpired but I need to try to catch up to current time. But, it was a fantastic holiday - one not to be forgotten!

Reunion - the beauty of nature

The world is a glorious place!

If these photos look familiar - know that my camera produced such artistry, but the borrowing there of is - - acceptable.
It doesn't take much to entertain when you are surrounded by nature's play ground and those you love the most!


















It is simply amazing - and it sure beats cactus and palm trees!

The 4th of July Reunion - Camping

Since before I was born the 4th of July Reunion tradition began. Every year we (that is my mothers side - 9 siblings, their kids and now their kids kids and extended family) get together for 4 days of camping fun and bonding. It is one of the absolutely most enjoyable and memorable traditions of my life. This year we went to Oregon - beautiful! There are always a lot of fun activities planned and a lot of free play out abounding in nature. The food is delicious and the company supreem!
Upper right are kids and nature - exactly how it should be. #2 and #4 playing with cousins.


Over there are #1 and#3 creating a masterpiece during kid craft. Then we see Papa with #3 enjoying a stroll together.

Oh, how we love all those sitting bundled in a group, basking in eachothers company.
You know that is what it is all about. Rekindling relationships and ever bonding this mighty eternal family together! You've got to love it!

The race is on!

Oh yeah - The race is on! It doesn't matter how old you are.... racing around a track as fast as you can go is FUN. And, quite possibly everyone (mostly the adults) abandons maturity just for the pleasure of knowing "Ya, I beat you!"

Case in point;
Here is my little daddy and my bro-in law
obliterating that snug bug in the rug...as they
strive for go cart domination.

Over yonder you can see the competition in motion. Me and #4 rounding the bend after being run down by ....everyone. Above is my sweetheart with #3 and to the right my baby sister - showing her incredulous face as she looses position to my cousin and #1. We had a zippity -zoomin' fun time!

There were so many enjoyable times to be had at our 4th of July reunion that it will take a while to get it all blogged out....Even while we speak I have #5 clutching my arm with a sticky wee hand as I am struggling to finish this entry. Stay tuned.....

Squirt Gun Shoot-out!

While at the bumper boat area spectators could use small squirt
guns to surprise unsuspected sea-men.
My sweetheart, daddy and bro-in-law show their joy at bombarding the defenseless people in the bumperboats below.


Following the bumper-boating the real show down began. It was so amusing to see (mostly adults) running around soaking their loved ones and then hurredly rushing to refill their weapon.


Even my little mother got in on the action, but of course her's was one of self defense. It was great fun!

Bumper boats - squirt gun showdown

Not to far from the camping spot were some bumper boats the kids were begging to go on. We finally went.....There were some height requirements to pilot your own vessel. #1 and #2 met the requirement easily but #3 to his sorrow, was a under the black line. Before you could embark on the voyage, you had to be life vested and height checked by an aged, bearded,

over-alled sea man. In days past he could have resembled a jolly, mischevious pirate. When it was #3's turn "Gray beard" noted he was too short to go alone but then had him stand straight with his arms stiff to his sides and lifted him up until his head reached the black line. #3 was elated!

Captain #1 and #2

Me and my little Mother bumper boating!

Overnighter to Bison Ranch

Several weeks ago we ventured northward to a small place called Bison Ranch, where our family friends secured an overnight time-share. When we set out from our usually very heated home land- it was raining, which is rare, but while enroute we encountered heavier rain, hale and even snow! Though a bit more chilly than desired, we had a great time.
A short distance from our rooms were some (mostly) friendly horses that the kids thought were amazing. The horses allowed the kids to pet them and feed them. #4 especially loved them and didn't want to leave. She kept asking to go back again, and again and again.
There was also a little recreation area outside of the main lobby where we took advantage of the western back drop.
Fishing was also a main attraction. This was a new adventure for the kids and their poll flinging father. They had fun, but fish they caught none.