Labor Day Weekend

This year for Labor Day weekend, we headed to Idaho for a get-together with my family. Becca, Houston's fiance, was coming home to meet the family and we thought it would be the perfect excuse to hold a quick mini-reunion. Everyone got into town on Friday night, some earlier than others. We pulled in around midnight, right after Houston & Becca. It was fun to see everyone and meet Becca for the first time.

(Twins anyone?)

Saturday was filled with lots of fun time together. Even simple things like getting ready together in the bathroom has a whole new level of fun when you're with sisters! Saturday was filled with fun activities outside. We had a pretty intense game of ultimate football. It was so fun to play together. It wouldn't be complete without a few minor casualties, but everyone turned out pretty good.

(Pretty sure this is one of my all-time favorite pictures of my dad :)

After the ultimate football game, some of the boys kept themselves entertained creating obstacle courses for Jacob and Caleb. Some people might call it cruel and unusual, others might just call it cheap entertainment.They were pretty impressed with Jacob and Caleb's skills! It all started to get a little crazy from that moment on, including funny face contests and so on.

Saturday night the group deserted us to go watch the BYU football game with some neighbors that had a nice set-up. Poor mom and I were left behind to watch kids and slave over dinner. Actually we opted out of the game- it was much easier to watch kids and work out naps at mom & dad's house. We had a lot of fun reading stories to the kids, and talking while working together whipping out a yummy dinner for the gang. BYU had a successful night, so everyone was in good spirits when they got back.

After dinner, we had a little birthday celebration for Caleb. He was pretty excited to see the fun presents Grandma and Grandpa had for him. He and Jacob ran around playing with the boat and Ben10 alien light watch all night.

During the birthday celebration we also had a little streaker escape from his bath - he managed to swipe a lollipop before he was captured, contained, and dressed in his pj's

That night after putting kids to bed, we enjoyed staying up and playing some games with the adults. I always seem to forget to pull out the camera during these times, but I'm sure it's because we're too busy having fun, laughing, and keeping some individuals from cheating!

We also attempted to get a picture of the two little girls together in their jammies. At first, Emily would have nothing to do with it! She just did NOT want to sit there. She made poor little Lilah, being so good, sit there all by her cute little self. Then Emily ended up wacking Lilah in the face with her hand, poor Lilah didn't know what had hit her. Finally we were able to coax a little of a smile of out Emily. By this time, Lilah was done! Probably just ready to be done dealing with her crazy little cousin. These little girls are so fun.

Sunday we all went to church together in Mom & Dad's ward. It was a beautiful testimony meeting, and the grandkids especially loved listening to Grandma Tanner bear her testimony. I loved going to the classes, especially Relief Society with my mom and sisters. Sunday afternoon we enjoyed a yummy dinner, and then spent the rest of the evening watching some good old home videos. Maybe we shouldn't have shown them to Becca, I guess she can see what she's really getting herself into! We definitely had some good laughs. Then we spent some time playing a new game that Cole and Tom taught everyone, 'Choose Your Weapon' as well as Jacket Monsters. There were no pictures taken during this part of the evening for a reason...we all need to retain our dignity! :) It was a fun evening.

(These two little girls both look just like their mommies!)

Monday rolled around all too soon. The morning was spent in various ways. After lunch, we decided to fit in a last game of croquet. I used to think I was pretty good at the game,but I'm pretty sure I came in dead last this time. Dad was the ultimate champ- I think he must practice in his spare time. He's just a natural at whatever he does, he's always been. The kids ran around outside during the game.


Matthew stayed close to his beloved Carly- these two really have become pretty inseparable. Carly really has withdrawals when we leave- she wanders around with the toys they played with. In fact Mom said Carly kept whining to come inside and would sniff around the toys, she was looking for Matthew. She finally gave up when the toys were all put away. It kind of breaks my heart- the two of them have such a sweet little relationship. Matthew loves Carly and Carly loves Matthew.

After taking some pictures for Houston and Becca, we decided to do one last family picture. It was nothing special, far from formal or fancy; just a plain, simple perfect picture that did a pretty good job of capturing a summary of the weekend spent together.

Showing off the crazy side!

These boys...

We finished out our Labor Day with a grand finale- we were able to head to Scott & Amanda's and spent the evening watching the BSU game together. It was an awesome game and so fun to watch it with family. Scott & Amanda, along with Mom and Dad Stevens, Jonny & EmiLee, Greg & Amy were all there. Grandma Stevens surprised Caleb with a birthday gift- an amazing talking/walking robot and some treats to share with cousins. We didn't end up leaving until pretty late that night, but it was totally worth it. We feel so blessed to have such great family on both sides. We can't wait for the next get-together. I'm so grateful for family- so grateful for the love that binds family together- and the experiences and time spent together than strengthen the bonds. It was a short weekend, way too short, but still so fun; the type that leaves you anticipating the next one. Hopefully that 'next one' won't be too long in coming!