Mini Family Reunion

What was supposed to be a "small BBQ," quickly turned into a "mini family reunion" once the word 'got around'. We had no idea that many people were going to be there, so it was a neat surprise to walk into! Somehow we didn't manage to get photos of everyone that was there, only about half. Those of us with kids were outside most of the time, and those that stayed inside (where it was cool) were missed.

Who was there:

In the first photo: Dad, Denise, Uncle Lini, Aaron, Britt, Addie, John, Maletch, me, Aunt Barbie, Uncle Kerry, Adam, Keri, Lucas, Eden
Were there, but not in photo: Grandma, Bill, Ian, Leslie, Angel, Shaun, Jesse, Anthony, Jordan, Jason, and Reed

It was so funny trying to get 'just the kids' in one photo- YEAH RIGHT! There wasn't THAT many of them either (OK there was 7). The older kids "didn't want to" and the little ones were just busy playing and weren't paying attention, and Maletch kept 'wandering off' pushing a little truck. We have a series of so many hilarious pics, there was always 1 or more "goofing off" or acting silly, and at least 1 or more looking the opposite way with their BACKS to the camera (OK that was usually my kid). Keri tried to assist us with the shot by keeping Maletch in the picture, and faced the right way, but we could just never get that good pic of all of them! In this shot (above), you can barely see Lucas who is so cute- he is laying in front of Keri and Maletch. And of course 2 have their heads turned. These were the best 2 pics, pretty sad!

Look closely at this pic: Notice that Maletch was rolling the truck on Lucas's head!

The 3 one-year-olds:

It was cute watching Eden, Addie, and Maletch play and they seemed to attract/gravitate to each other. Maletch and Eden shared toys and passed them back and forth. Lucas and Jesse are about the same age as each other (3-4), so they are best buds too!

Highlights:

They started by having a belated celebration for Addie's birthday (which was last month). She got a cool Electric Quad. One of Addie's 1-year old friends (Ben) has a similar one, so she already knew how to ride it. She had a blast 'putting around' on that thing most of the day! It is really cool and we are going to get one for Maletch- OK- not the "Barbie" one, we will find the 'boy model'! These pics were mostly taken in their front yard. Although, my dad, John and I took Maletch for a walk later in their gorgeous backyard (which is on a couple acres) and looks like a farm- there is something to look at everywhere! They have a custom garden, greenhouse, gazebo, wishing well fountain, and so much more! It was so fun watching lil Maletch run around and explore everything- it made us wish we had a yard like that!

What happened to Us Being Color Coordinated??

If you have been paying attention to my recent posts and are wondering- why we weren't color coordinated... first I would have to say "good eye" (and thanks for paying attention)... BUT... we actually were when we arrived. I had on an orange & white dress, BUT, Lancaster is too windy for a dress- and I had a "Marilyn Monroe situation" happening while we were outside, LOL! So I had to change- that sucked! So John and Maletch were still coordinated, and I was the odd-ball that 'clashed', (Eeeew! Pink and orange- not a good combo) Yep, I'm a dork and proud of it! Hahaha!

Great Having Babysitters:

Once the BBQ was over, everyone went to where they were staying (different houses) to get the kids in bed and later that night- since we all had babysitters (all of the grandparents), 11 of us met for cocktails at El Toreo, a Mexican restaurant down the street. Jae, Britt, John, me, Aaron, Adam, Keri, Shaun, Angel, Reed, and Donnie went. It was really fun getting a chance to visit everyone and have just the adults together. It was endless joke telling and reminiscing, so basically constant laughter! Good times!!

Our Motley Crew!

Hot Mammas!

We spent the night on Sat, then Sun we went to visit my other Grandma 'Mamma.' The kids had fun playing in her HUGE yard too! It's a shame that our camera died just before we went over there, and I forgot to bring the charger. So we took a few cute pics on our cell phones, I will try to upload those soon. I love hanging out with Mamma! We had such a good time over there- we gpt carried away and didn't leave her house until about 10:30pm and we had a long drive home.

Slideshow below!