Reunion

We headed to Colorado Springs over the weekend for a family reunion with my side of the family. My grandfather, aunts, cousins, second cousins, third cousins . . . all live in Colorado. I grew up there, until we moved to Utah in 1991. We used to get together regularly, but it seems that as time goes on, it becomes less and less often. This weekend was a good reminder of how important family is, and I plan to make it a much more regular event!! And, now that we have jumped the first travel hurdle with Taylee, it should get easier from here, right?
The plane ride into Denver was pretty nice. We sat together as a family, and Taylee was pretty easy to entertain. The only unfortunate part was her OBSESSION with the back of the gentleman's head in the seat in front of us. She spent much of the flight standing on my lap, trying to attack his hair. She was only succesful one time, for which I was VERY apologetic. ;)
We arrived on Friday and headed straight to my grandpa's house. This wasn't the "official" reunion, but it was a reunion of sorts with my 2 aunts and my 3 cousins (Ryan, Garrett, and Aden), who were essentially my brothers growing up. As well as Ryan's daughter Kaydence (almost 3), and Garrett's little boy Xavier (almost 2). Unfortunately, the hotel and her developing cold/allergies seemed to foul up her sleep (imagine that!), and we were up most of the night on Friday. Fortunately Saturday night went much better, and we got a near normal night of sleep. The plane ride home wasn't quite as smooth, because Taylee was sick and tired and grumpy, and we arrived late at the airport and weren't able to sit together. Ooops. Lesson learned.

Here is Taylee showing Aunt Tota

how she can eat random

household items on command.

Taylee with her cousin Aden,
quite possibly the funniest boy I know

Saturday was the "real" reunion, also at grandpa's. We had ALL the cousins there - for posterity's sake, I am going to list them (sorry!) - Gene, Deb, Dave, Ginger, Char, Tif, Kent, Ryan, Garrett, Taylee, Kaydence, Xavier, Karen, Jeff, Kathy, Christopher, Zachary, Victoria, Greg, Demera, Ramie, Jonah, Brody, Denise, Scott, Zachary, and Ryan's friends Chris and John. Whew! We BBQ'd, played bocce ball, and had a grand old time! My pictures from the event are terrible, because trying to catch active children on camera is nearly impossible. Here are a few of the best.

Aunt Ginger trying to mediate "playtime"

with Taylee and Xavier.

In other words, trying to save Xavier!

Taylee bugs exploring new territory

Ramie, Victoria, Taylee, and Kaydence

My mom, Grandpa, Karen, Greg, and Ramie

Xavier eatin' dirt

My cousins Denise and Zachary

(doesn't he look like a blonde Harry Potter?)

He's the wittiest 12 year old I have ever met . . .

Cute Kaydence with her binks

Taylee isn't sure about all these new people

All in all, the reunion was great! We can't wait to do it again. Thanks Aunt Tota for organizing and putting on all the food. You are loved and appreciated, even if we aren't so good at showing it!

Taylee made herself at home in the hotel

We were little hampsters cruising

around town in our KIA Soul.And, finally, on Father's day, we headed home