Lots of pictures

So, I've already talked about the trip to the farm. I'm starting with Saturday afternoon and will conclude my next post with Friday and Saturday morning (yes a little backwards...but it's my blog).

After naps on Saturday, the kids headed out to play. You can't really tell by this photo, but it was really cold. I didn't pack any warm clothes for the kids - Yahoo weather lied! After the tire swing stopped, Allison was literally shivering, and we had to go find her a jacket!

The kids love the tire swing. It is the same tire that I swung on when I was a kid. It's in a new tree and has new rope, but still brings back memories. Allison couldn't go high enough!

This is the underdog. My brother is roughly 6'1" if this gives you an idea of how high they were going!

Even Andrew got on. He didn't go that high though!! Some of the pictures are a little blurry on this day. Everything was moving so fast, I was having a hard time getting the camera to focus. I still haven't figured out the best way to do action shots on my fancy shmancy camera.

That night, we ate dinner early and headed in to Cottonwood for some fun at the gym. This is a view looking down from the upper level. I'm standing where there are some classrooms and lounge area, looking down over a wall that comes to about chest level. The gym is huge, and I'm guessing when the whole building is completely finished, it will get a TON of use. The kitchen itself is huge - and amazing! The best thing about it? The church didn't acquire ANY debt to build it. They only built as the money was raised. Took a little longer, but this is an example of a church that is doing it the right way - they don't owe money to anyone, and are able to give it right back into ministry, where it belongs! How great is that!!!

There is a tug-of-war rope that is in the closet that Henry and Allison were using to play horsey- or something like that. Henry would run around with Allison chasing him holding the reigns. Cute!

Harrison has to be one of the sweetest kids I have ever met. He's so patient, and very concerned with the younger ones. Kind of like Allison...only with a softer demeanor - and not bossy like she can be at times. It was fun to watch him with Andrew and his little brother, Heath.

Papa had lots of fun playing with his grandkids. I know he wishes he could do it more often.

Leah and Heath rolling the ball to each other. Heath would scoot back for her to roll it, then scoot back in to give it to her. It was pretty funny :)

And yes, proof that my mother actually got out and had fun with the kids - well, sort of proof...as she found a comfy chair and parked it - still holding her hockey stick though :)

Andrew trying his skill at horsey!

The next day was my grandfather's party. I didn't take any pictures of all the festivities as I was too busy eating and watching kids. But later that day, I dug it out and we spent some time up at Ben and Leah's while the kids played. The weather was better - but very windy!

Andrew entertained himself with the rocks and John Deer truck. What child doesn't love throwing rocks!?

Leah and Heath walking back from the garden. Heath is a sweet kid - and only mildly in love with his mother right now :)

Heath and Andrew petting Sam. He did great and didn't even come up to mom and dad's during the party. Sam usually is getting his nose into everything and getting in trouble (like digging up my parents flowers - ugh)!

This is Allison and Tanyon (my cousin Lisa's little boy). They are only about 2 months apart in age.

My grandparents have 4 children, 13 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. Our baby makes 19, and my cousin Tamara's will make 20. Amazing!! 8 of the 13 grandchildren were there, and 12 of the 18 great grandchildren. It was so fun to see everyone. Of the 18 great grandchildren, there are 6 four year olds and 6 two year olds. Oy vey!!

More to come...