Family Reunion 2011

We just got back from a great week with my parents and brothers and sister!  It was so much fun visiting with them.  We haven't been all together in one place for three years, since my parents were serving a mission for our church in Albania.  The cousins had so much fun playing together and I hope we can do it again soon!

Here are some highlights of our trip:

There was a water fight with grandpa in the backyard.  Christopher was a smart kid, and told grandpa he was going to be on HIS team.

Picnic in the park, with grandma's homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, playing frisbee and pass, and playing at the playground with cousins

Visiting the San Jose Children's Museum.  There were so many fun things to do!

We took a trip to Gilroy Gardens, a fantastic amusement park for young kids.

We convinced Maren to go on the only slightly scary roller coaster they have there.  She was not a happy camper.  After about the first 10 seconds, she was screaming and crying "mommy! mommy!" and I felt like the worst mother in the world.  But then about 5 minutes after we got off, she asked if we could go again, so I guess I didn't traumatize her for life after all.  Phew!!

Jason had the camera with him on the ride and captured this moment, which I'm sure she'd rather forget.

We took a hike and found a stream to play in.  The kids decided to build a dam with the help of the dads.  Jason couldn't resist making dam jokes, and kept saying things like "this looks like a good dam stick" (please don't be offended).   We figured most of the kids didn't get it, and the men kept making jokes. Then on the way out I said something about all the bugs flying around and Maren said "you mean the dam bugs from the dam dam?"  Yeah.  We all laughed.  I don't think she was quite expecting the reaction she got, and she said "What? I was just doing what daddy was doing!"  Oops.

taking turns crossing the dam

Grandpa is famous for pillow diving.  All the grandkids got a turn.  They loved it! Too bad my camera is not so good at action shots.

Nathan's first time pillow diving with grandpa

We also went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The penguins, sea horses and sea dragons were favorites!

We did a lot of playing in my parents backyard and eating outside.  Summer weather in California is the best!  The kids played soccer, pass, croquet, and rode around on tricycles and scooters.

I believe Jack beat all the adults this round

Other highlights I don't have pictures of include, but are not limited to: talent show on sunday night, where Emily performed her backwards and upside down piano playing and Greg played with his feet;   eating grilled vegetables and grilled salmon (another favorite); Emily's veggie enchiladas (she will share the recipe soon, I hope).

Thanks for reading through my travel log.  Not that exciting, I'm sure.  I just wanted to write down some memories before I forgot the fun we had.