Redfish 2013

Redfish is always awesome and this year totally rocked!!

We played in the sand with each other.  Okay maybe I didn't, but other people did.

This picture is a prime example of the difference between Allison's girls and mine. Elleree never had a chance with me as her mom.

Beckett often did some solitary playing, when he wasn't following Eli around to hit him.

Rylie was very patient and caught a couple of chipmunks.  She and Travis had big plans, but it didn't work out.

The kids all skied a ton.  I get so proud when I see them get up, they are better than I ever was at their age.

They seem to enjoy it more than I did too.  I hope it will turn into a life sport for them.  It has treated me well.

Allison got a couple pictures of me skiing.

I defiantly have a good side.

She got some of Jason too.

It helps to see yourself and what you are doing wrong.

The kids tubed, and sometimes I am sad that I am getting so old and lazy that my willingness to go tubing dwindles each year.

We were there the same time as our childhood friends the Huffakers.  We used to go every year to Redfish with them.  Now they all have families of their own, it was good to see them and catch up.  It brought back so many memories.

The girls had a dancing party in the boat.

Truman, and few of my other kids threw tantrums.

Beckett was his usual monster self.  I just love this picture because it has Elleree's butt in the background.  My mom says she is just like me!

These are some of my awesome cousins Darcie, Douglas and Travis.  I am closer to these guys than I am to some of my siblings.  I love them!

These two are the little twin cousins.  They were born only 10 days apart and have always been silly.

We did some napping.

We did some people/kid/water watching.  We always like to just sit relax and see what there is to see.  Don't be jealous of my hat.  I call it my sexy, so that when I put it on I can say "I got my sexy on".

On the way home we stopped to get pictures with the cousins.

We also stopped because we got a flat tire on the boat.  Thank goodness Allison was behind us and called to tell us to stop.  She said she thought at first we were running over stuff, then she realized it was coming from us.  She saved us from having to get a new rim, just barely.  

It was a good trip.  I can't wait until next year!

Smashing in Friends

There are things that I try to do every year with friends.  This last month I was crazy lucky to get to see a ton of them and spend time with them.  

 Every year my friend Jamie and I try to go to Ross Park with the kids.  She and I met in college and have been friends for almost 14 year now.  When she said that and I couldn't believe it had been that long, but it has been.

Another friend Lori got to come up for a whole weekend with her little boys.  I never got any pictures, but they were super cute and I have missed them so much.  She is a friend I met in Idaho Falls when we lived there and used to try to keep me sane.

 I got to go shopping with my friend Katie.  We decided last year we were going to make a girls trip shopping every year.  So we do some mad spending and have a great time doing it.  Katie is the only friend that I keep in touch with from high school.

I also got to spend two days with my new freinds Jana and Dara.  Dara moved to Arizona and now to Texas.  I met them both in Twin. We decided to go visit her in Utah while she was on a stop over from moving.  I am super glad that they like hanging with me.

 

I realize how blessed I am to have such great friends that are will to come see me.  Thanks guys and I really miss you a ton!

Vaden Reunion 2013

My dad's family is great!  Every year they try to have a family reunion with all of his siblings.  There are eight of them all together so it is difficult to get all of them there with all of their families. I think it is harder now that my grandma has passed away, but they still try.  I always try to make it if I can.  I am super lucky to have such an awesome family.  I am close to my aunts and they are all the bees knees!  

 Unfortunately the only pictures I got were ones of the kids on the four wheelers. The one below is of my uncle he is always so patient with my kids.  We did way more than just ride four wheelers though.  I brought the boat down, so we played at the beach and on the boat.

 We made cool crafts, like doodle bags and wooden flamingos.  We had wonderful meals, well the ones I was not in charge of bringing things for.  I kind of forgot the hamburger patties for hamburgers one night.

We talked and laughed.  It is just nice to see everyone.  Often that is the only time I do see them, so it is wonderful.  I am so glad my aunts are willing to put forth the time and energy to put them together.  I am grateful for such a fabulous family!

Allison with Kids in Tow

Have I told you that I hate the fact that my sister moved so far away?  Well if I have not let me do so now.  It hasn't really been that long since I saw Allison last, only four months, but I had not seen her kids in almost a year.  This last month she came to visit for almost a month and it was a crazy busy month.  

 I picked them up at the Salt Lake airport, so we had to take advantage of being in the area.  They don't get to see this anymore.

 We went to temple square and got a tour of the Conference center which was very interesting.

 Ivan and Dakota were able to come with us, which made it even more fun.  We got home late that night after going out to dinner with them.

 Then we had a day to play and for the cousins to get to know each other again.  In Beckett's case that meant hitting Eli every chance he got.

We then went to my dad's family reunion.

I didn't get too many pictures, I was too busy having fun.  The kids loved riding the four wheelers. 

After the reunion, Allison then went to her in-laws.

She stayed with them for only a week, then back with us again.  Allison went to Redfish which was a blast as always.

Then she came home with me and we got to hang out for another day. 

 We did a little stamping of metal, I had pictures but then I deleted them, I suck.

 The kids played on my new awesome slide.  Then that night I had to take them to the airport.  I hate saying good bye.

 These guys don't get to see each other very often anymore and it makes me sad.  I remember when we both lived in Idaho Falls and they saw each other almost everyday. 

Even without seeing each other that often they are still very close for cousin, and for that I am grateful!

Nebraska Reunion

Our trip to Nebraska continued, Friday afternoon we got into the little town that Jason's grandma lives in.  We spent the day at a state park which was really pretty.

 Jason's grandma reserved a shelter for us and it was right by this merry-go-round.  By the end of the day the kids where covered in dirt and exhausted.  It was great!

 Jason's Aunt put together this quilt for his grandma. I had to make 5 squares for it witch I have to say was not my finest hour.  I do not know how to quilt worth anything. She did a good job though and it turned out beautiful.

 The reunion had a "holiday" theme to it.  So we celebrated Christmas with a gift exchange. 

 All the kids got a gift it was fun. 

 We celebrated all of our birthdays with a pinata and cake. 

 This too was a hit with the kids.

 Jason's grandma even took a turn and was the one who broke it open.

 

 The next morning, Saturday we got up bright and early because Jason's family was participating in a walk/run/5k/10k race.  Dillon and I had decided we would run the 5k too. Neither one of us have ever ran in a race before. 

 I was very proud of Dillon he ran the entire way.

He was disappointed because we didn't make a better time, but I was just happy we ran it all and finished.

 Not to mention it was a tough coarse for us and it was very hot!

 After the race we went and watched a parade.  The kids got even more candy, this is all of Truman's booty including the glasses and sweat band.

 We had and Easter egg hunt for Easter.

 The kids came home with soooo much stuff and candy!

 Jason's grandma was getting rid of most of her beanie baby collection as prizes.  I have so many stuffed animals in my house now. 

Sunday we packed up and drove all the way home.

 It was super sweet of his family to go though all the trouble of having us there.  The food was great and the activities were wonderful.  It was nice to see everyone.  Once again we never did get a picture with us all in it.  Oh well maybe next time.