Our Washington Trip | Family Reunions

As I mentioned before, the reason for this trip was a hard one but the family it brought together was so special. We ended up having family reunions on both sides of my family and I saw so many people I hadn't seen in a really long time. It was fun to be able to introduce my growing family to many who haven't met Nic or our kids yet and for others, to see how much our kids have changed since the last time we visited. 

Best of all, spending time with my grandmas that I love. I made sure to take a picture with all three of them! Even as I sit here writing this, Lyla is peeking over my shoulder and saying, "Momma, I miss Great Grandma Sue and her puppy, Sadie." How sweet is that?! So grandma, if you're reading this, know you are so loved! 

(The trip was really rough on my body, so much swelling!)

All the cousins on my dad's side of the family together for the first time since we were all kids. We didn't realize that there were only two of us girls and someone piped up and said, "No wonder I had all boys!" haha 

It was so dang hot while we were there ... over a hundred degrees every single day and no one had air conditioners. We ended up needing to leave the family reunion on my dad's side a little early one evening because Lyla started showing signs of dehydration. We retreated back to our hotel and I've never seen my kids drink SO much water without needing to go to the bathroom. 

The next day we had a family reunion on my mom's side. They are held annually at my Aunt Wendy and Uncle Keith's farm surrounded by the most beautiful scenery! Like I said, it was HOT, so the little kids weren't the only ones using the pool, sprinkler, and squirt guns ... haha!

Always a kid at heart. ;)

My Uncle Keith is the best host and slaved away making all the food. The baby and I are so grateful to him for the handful of oysters we got to eat! ;)

The best part about their property is all the space they have to play and the many toys they have around for all of their grandkids. Lyla and Liam definitely took advantage of the ride on toys!  

This picture makes me smile so much. My Grandpa Dell was a collector of many things, especially belt buckles and hats. Our kids carted around a bucket full of belt buckles all weekend long and each got to choose a hat to keep of grandpa's. Lyla never took hers off the whole time we were there. She looked so cute in it!

Lots more visiting with extended family and trying to find any shade we could muster ...

Uncle Keith also hooks a bunch of wagons to his riding lawn mower and lets the kids go for rides. This was our kids' favorite part of the whole day!!! Never enough rides ...

Cousin pictures with my Grandma Jan ...

GG's great grands ...

My mom and most of her sisters, just missing my Aunt Jo ...

The most beautiful scenery to be surrounded by! My uncle had traded farm fields with another farmer who planted a spinach crop this year. 

Oh and this sweet Pooh airplane ... Liam learned to walk 6 years ago pushing this thing around their farm. Look at how grown up he is now! 

A boy's heaven!

Take me back! Well, maybe when it's a little less hot and I'm a little less pregnant. haha