Family Reunion

When we found out that our extended family Fishing Derby on the Young's side was cancelled, my family decided we would have to do our own little reunion out at the ranch. Even though we had just been out west in March I knew there was no way we were going to miss seeing all of my siblings and parents. So we made the long journey yet again. Tanner is such a good sport, although I did tell him I was going whether he came or not. 

Tanner took a half day on Friday so we left once he got home and went as far as we could that first day. 

Eliza sure was cute leaving the hotel with her little backpack. She's smiling because it hadn't hit her yet that she would be in the car all day long. 

One of the first things we had to do when we got to the ranch was ride horses. Mariah loved petting them and feeding them treats but wasn't so keen with the riding part. On her last riding experience her horse spooked a little and that was enough...but I'm going to keep trying with her. Chet on the other hand couldn't get enough even after his horse started running, because he kept kicking it, and he fell off. There were a few tears but then he jumped right back on. Just one example of how Mariah and Chet are different. Austin and Eliza loved riding, Eliza threw a big fit when she had to be done. 

I know everyone is wondering where I got my great riding attire...I only wear the best.

Come Follow Me that week was covering Captain Moroni so we had Tanner act out the Title of Liberty for the kids. And then we put some more things that are important to us on our Family Title of Liberty. 

Can you tell what toy was the favorite? There was no way Austin was going to put it down, even for a bathroom break. 

Grandma did her traditional tea party and the kids loved it. Their British accents and upheld pinkies are improving as well.

Uncle Sevy set up the Game Cube and played Mario Cart with the kids. We learned one unplugged controller was perfect for the younger kids. They were totally involved punching away on their controller. 

We ended up being out there on my Birthday. Tiffany made an amazing chocolate cake and my mom and sisters got me some beautiful framed artwork. And here's a series of photos with my favorite photo-bomber in the back...

That night we went up the canyon on a hay ride and had hot dogs and hamburgers. It was a perfect ending to my birthday because my favorite thing to do as a child on my birthday was to ride horses up the canyon. The kids got to play in the creek and we had a great time visiting. The ride down the canyon on the hayride was a little like a roller coaster/crack the whip especially for those in the back. But it isn't a good time for Papa Ralph if there isn't some peril. 

All the grandkids minus Benson, because we won't wake a sleeping baby if we don't have to

Because of fire restrictions we went all the way up to the ranch's meadow so we could still have a fire. I have so many fond memories of this place and I love these grungy clothed family pictures we took. The only thing that would have made it better is if Dan, DJ and Mike were there. 

Hamming it up for Aunt Mandie 

Tanner decided to bring his new mountain bike out with us and was able to go on several rides. He rode down the canyon after our dinner and made it home way before us. My dad dropped him off on top of the mountain one morning for another downhill ride too. 

One day all the kids were given squirt guns and challenged to go on a dinosaur hunt. They found a huuuge T-Rex. Some of the kids were actually freaked out at first until they realized it was just Uncle Sevy. It was so funny watching him run around. 

Brigston found this huge scorpion (which was already dead) and Chet was so excited to bring it home to add to his specimen collection. And then we forgot it; so here's a picture to always remember. 

And I have to add this series of photos of the only grand daughters (for just a little while longer!)...

Grammie also threw a "Pop Party" which is always a hit. Here we were lined up to watch the Mento rockets. They were a little lackluster, but the Poprocks, soda, and bubble wrap dance party made up for it.

There were so many fun little activities to keep the kids busy: corn hole, digging in the dirt, a big water trough, digging for dinosaurs, trampoline, slip and slide, epic water balloon fight (where we learned that Trey has deadly aim and my children fall apart after one too many water balloons to the face)...the kids ran hard all day long every day. 

Eliza was so clingy to me most of the trip but Grammie and Papa Ralph were able to get a little attention from her. 

Later in the week we made shields

We threw a little baby shower for Em the last night we were there. Amanda organized some great games and we had a wonderful time. Can't wait to see that baby girl!

After seeing their cousin Tate catch a snake, Chet decided he needed to catch one of his own. He caught it on our last morning there. I had to make sure it didn't come along for the drive. 

We spent an evening at Ty and Lisa's and the next morning Tanner got up early to go mountain biking with Spencer and Timmy. He had a good crash and was coated in puff dirt. I'm sad we didn't get a picture. 

Eliza needed a little help falling asleep at the hotel and she and Tanner looked so precious together. Tanner didn't love the flash; just imagine a calm peaceful look on his face. 

It was a whirlwind of a week but it was so wonderful. Whenever we are making the long drive out I tell myself that it's crazy and there's no way we are going to do it again. But then we are with family and I realize that it is all worth it and we'll keep doing it over and over again.