Family time!

The last time we were all together (Matt's side) must have been in the summer of 2009. Andrew was little then but not yet a year old, and there was no Emily.

This time, there were 10 adults and 6 kids and 1 on the way! All of the kids have grown so much and they talk and understand much more. Their personalities are developing.

It was nice to just hang. We did a lot of that, a lot of talking and catching up, a lot of playing and holding babies and kids. We really enjoyed getting to know each other better. It's too bad we don't all live in the same region. Maybe someday?

On the first day, Fred took us all out to celebrate everyone's anniversaries. We had a great time at Sprague's and ate delicious breakfasts. Pat was a saint to watch 4 of her grandchildren so Chris and Corrie could get away.

Ben Jr was the star of the show all week. That's what happens with newest babies!

As our tradition, we cleaned our car out at Matt's parents' house. I don't think we've ever cleaned it between visits in the 6 years we've owned it. Whups. I blame it on not having the right supplies: mainly a vacuum cleaner that can reach into the car the way theirs does. Matt also had to clean out the blow motor and fix the glove compartment.

 It was a man's job, even Ben Jr thought so.

The main event was a big family reunion cookout at Kara and Matt's place. Grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins came. I tried to get pictures of everybody but most of my pictures are of the kids. On the right is Elisabeth (4 months old at our wedding) and on the left is Emily (3). I said "look up!" and I think I startled them. Kids tend to get camera shy, so that was my secret weapon.

Pat and Corrie and her girls. The littlest one is Hannah (1).

Caleb is just about 2 (left) and Andrew (almost 5) is mooning us.

 The guys grilling. Ben with the tongs, my Matt in the back, the other Matt probably just farted.

 Cousin Rebecca (left), Pat, Pat's mom Dolly and me. Talking about goats!

Then we went to the farm to visit with Grandma Kay and Grandpa Gus (Fred's parents).

On the last night everyone was together, we took a family photo!! Surprisingly, we didn't have to take 40 to get 1 good one. Here we all are!

Andrew was all about "man stuff". He talked about doing pushups and pullups every day. I think he wanted to be strong like his dad and uncle Matthew.

 Matt taught Andrew all kinds of muscle poses.

 Andrew has good form already!

We made a big bonfire.

And roasted marshmallows.

 Then Fred (and Kara, Caleb and Caleb's little brother) lit a Chinese lantern and we watched it until we couldn't see the dot in the sky anymore.

What a great week we all had! Right Caleb?