4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

This is my first attempt at posting on the family blog. I hope I do a decent job. I feel so out of the loop when it comes to this kind of stuff. It is fun to read what others have written.

Our family all got together to enjoy our first "Family Reunion." It was a lot of fun. The kids all arrived on Friday, the 4th and we spent the afternoon chasing kids and dogs. Then we set up our tents in the back yard. It looked pretty cool to have 6 tents in our back yard.

Then when the sun went down, we all walked over by the interstate to find our place to watch the fireworks. They were great as always. Riley covered her ears most of the time, Avery ran to Grandpa and snuggled into his neck right after they started and then fell asleep. Savanna absolutely loved them. After the fireworks, we all walked back and people slowly went to bed.

Saturday, we went to Yellowstone Park. Aimee had never been there, so we all went. We learned one very valuable lesson. When going on a 13 hour drive, and there are little girls, one MUST find a babysitter beforehand and leave them home. They don't remember much of the trip anyway, and they would have been much happier at grandma's instead of cooped up in their car seats for about 9 of those hours. No wonder they were all cranky when we got home.

Sunday morning, we let the girls play in the hot tub. They had so much fun. Avery is a little leary of water, but Riley and Savanna had a ball. Avery walked around the benches in the tub. It was fun to watch. Then we took a family picture when Darren got home from his meetings and after that, Brianne and Charlie headed for home. Chris and Aimee and Brittany and Sean left after church.

We were all exhausted, but I think everyone had a great time.

Jared, congratulations on your baptism. We are sorry we missed it.

Love to everyone, hope to see you all at the reunion.
Love, Darren and Tina