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family reunion

In June we enjoyed the luxury camping experience.  Before heading to hubby's family reunion in Utah, we rented a camping trailer in Denver.  That thing was nice!  Our 2 oldest got their own beds that turned into a sofa or a table when not in use and, for safety, Dan & I each shared with M & N so they would't fall out.  We stopped in Vail and camped at a beautiful state forrest right next to a rushing stream.  It got down to 38 degrees that night but we were nice and warm.  This was certainly the way to go with a one-year-old in tow.  It was so comfortable to stay inside for a simple breakfast out of the cold as well.  I seriously may never be able to tent camp again.  lol.
It was grand to be with family at a great location.  One of my mother-in-law's cousins owns the perfect property for a reunion.  There is a great pavilion with  kitchen and showers, a play area with grass, a huge play set, trampoline, carnival style games, and even a see saw on huge metal tractor wheels so it can be rolled around.  We got to see 5 of Dan's 7 siblings and all of his mom's siblings.  We also met cousins we have never even heard of before and beat them at the puzzle race.  One family led a parallel life to ours.  They were married in the same place just a few months after we were.  They adopted their first baby the same month we did and then were able to have biological children afterward.  We both have 4 children around the same ages and our sons were even wearing identical tennis shoes.  Fun stuff.
Aunt Amylynn is so nice to always do my girl's hair when we are together.  She has a gift!
How many hours do you think it took to put this game together?
The children's favorite activity was the trampoline.  It seemed there was always at least one of my children on that thing.
Dan's mom with her mom and her siblings.

Our boy loved the pinewood derby race so much I was surprised he didn't cry when it got put away!

Take that as a huge compliment, Scott!  This baby is pretty picky about who she will hang out with.  (And for the record, she really liked her Uncle Brennen too.  They hung out in the shade of tree for quite a while.)
Love the huge smiles K gets when she is around family.  K totally loves Dan's Uncle Ken and Aunt Kate too (not pictured).  At one meal she was eating in between Dan and I and when she saw the two of them sit down, she went right on over and sat in between the two of them.  I don't blame her.  I like them too.  (:  Whenever we are in Utah and want to move there and whenever we are home, I'm so happy I am where I am and enjoy what I enjoy.
Saying good-bye is always hard, but Daddy had to get back to work.  Boo hoo!  Thanks to all Dan's family who participated in making this a wonderful family time with happy memories to take home.  I hope we get to do this again in a couple years.

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