Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Mini Reunion

We made a last-minute trip to Holbrook (the second time this month!) so that we could spend visit Jake’s family.  Both of his sisters from out of town were there with their kids, meaning that four of five of the Taylor siblings were under the same roof for the first time since Thanksgiving or before.  We drove up on Saturday and back down on Sunday, because schedules didn’t allow for more time up there, but it was worth the drive and the every last bit of chaos that went into planning it. 

The kids loved seeing their cousins, and I can’t say this enough but, they truly know who is family.  Even if we only see them maybe a couple days total out of the year, they just warm up so quickly to their aunts, uncles, and cousins.  I feel so blessed to have them growing up as a part of a big family.  I’ve never felt more appreciative than I do now to have so many sisters, brothers-in-laws, and sisters-in-laws, not to mention two sets of living grandparents for my kids.  It’s really a good feeling to be surrounded by people you love and who love you (and your kids) right back.

I didn’t take nearly enough pictures, and the ones I did take are so random.  I completely missed a shot of Jake’s sister, Emily.  Next time, I’ll plan better.

DSC_0019DSC_0010 DSC_0032 DSC_0015

We ran around and played outside, baked brownies, ate huge family-style meals (for 9 adults and 11 kids), watched movies, and read stories together.  The girls had a tea party with an excess of chocolate soy milk, the boys ran around shouting around with pillows and little bugs and imaginary magic wands, and every kid chased/caught a horny toad or a puppy at some point in the weekend.

DSC_0006 DSC_0013DSC_0020 DSC_0042 copy DSC_0005 DSC_0034

The boys will be boys.

DSC_0029

Aunt Chantelle is the best at reading stories.  She kept a captive audience of preschoolers for a half hour.

DSC_0033 DSC_0069 DSC_0065DSC_0073 DSC_0047DSC_0062 Background

Until next time.

No comments: