Monday, May 26, 2014

Memorial Day Traditions

Every year on Memorial Day weekend Barry's sister and her family come out to the ranch for a little reunion. It's a tradition that I hope continues for a long time! I never did count how many 2nd cousins my kids had here but it was quite a few. Even a couple of 2nd cousins once removed! (Ha! Figure that one out!) 

Friday night is when everyone starts showing up and we had a big dinner at Barry & Marilyn's house. Then Saturday it's the big day of fun. The weather wasn't great this year but we still managed to have fun.

Playing on the park at John & Chelsea's house.
The cousins all love the ranch which is my favorite part of them coming. Not one of them complains about wanting to play video games or computer games, etc.They just can't wait to get out and explore. Above is Chris's cousin Angie and two of her kids, Sidney and Mackay.
Just a few of the cousins eating lunch and enjoying the animals.
Ava and Paul cruising on a mini four wheeler.
After hanging out a playing for a but in the morning it was time for the annual hike up underwear mountain. Ava and Sadie both made it to the top!
Grace hiked for a few minutes before getting bored so we ended up staying down below so I didn't get any pictures of the girls up top. But I'm really bummed I missed it because there was a proposal up there this year! Congrats to Liz and Scott.
From the bottom I was able to get this picture of the group up at the top. I can't tell who anyone is though. 

Sadie and cousin Sadie. I always get a picture of them together.
Sadie loves playing with cousins and friends and had a blast this weekend. All of the Bennett kids are so sweet to the younger children and I love them for it!
And there are two Ava's as well (a little closer in age than the Sadie's) and they played great together. I think in this picture they were making a "pet shop". They had a couple of kitties and a puppy in there.

Saturday night was another big dinner and a birthday party for two of the kids. Sunday is the day we visit the cemetary where the Shideler ancestors are buried including Barry's deceased parents and brother.  Unfortunately this year it was raining after church and we opted not to go so no pictures of that. And now everyone will start trickling out and by tomorrow mid morning they will all be on their way home. Last year Sadie was bawling when everyone said goodbye. This year we have more cousins coming just as these ones are leaving (so hopefully no tears). And then shortly after they leave more cousins are coming!! It's a dream come true for Sadie! 

P.S. Happy 14th anniversary to my sister Sally and her husband Josh today! 

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