Family Reunion - Idaho Falls

Stop #2

IDAHO FALLS!

Welcome to my home!

Hope you are ready for some treats!

Jack-jack was a great helper for me in the kitchen!

I didn't plan a ton of stuff for my turn,

because of being pregnant and hormonal,

I thought keeping it simple would keep my mood swings at bay.

I was wrong--but it was worth a try!

We started off with an early morning temple trip doing baptisms.
I'm so grateful for Andrea and Tess being willing to babysit while we went.

Seeing these cousins share in this spiritual experience

was absolutely worthwhile.

The gospel is what knits us together forever.

I'm so happy to see these children being taught

the power of their covenants.

Meanwhile at home...

Luke is losing it,

Jack might shoot someone,

but other than that, it all seems totally peaceful!

Nintendo keeps everyone happy!

Oh the days of Barbie.

Michelle and I (and occasionally Nick) 

would make an equally fun mess

almost daily to play with our dolls.

Summer keeping everyone in check!

Who's the real boss here?

As long as everyone's happy, I don't care.

We all then met at a park near the greenbelt of Idaho Falls.

We played and picnicked together.

Lots of full tummies and big smiles!

Thanks Tess for being such a great family photographer!

75% of the pictures on the blog from the reunion are thanks to her!

Thumbs up all around!

TIME-OUT!

Colette had to leave for an appointment to get her BRACES ON!

Let the jokes commence.

Like what do you call someone who discriminates against people with braces?

A Bracist.

😆

Aria will help comfort her pain!

What a great picnic at the park!

GOOOOO CLARKS!

Experienced cheerleader, Andrea, 

is there spotting and making sure no one got hurt.

Let's take a trip around the Greenbelt!

I also prepared a scavenger hunt for the kids and a partner,

to find some fun landmarks and unique statues along the belt.

Colette's partner quickly tipped off.

She is so good with little kids!

A great older sibling and nibling.

We also crossed the street to the new Japanese peace gardens.

Parker really finds his zen here.

Once Summer wakes back up, Aria tips off.

A least they take turns giving mama Tess a little break!

We finally made it to the big scenic view!

Now back to the pool for a cool off time!

Everyone is getting along swimmingly!

There's enough room for everyone! 

Swimming is always a favorite around our house. 

Luke is the next made to walk the plank!

As Aria takes a little catnap.

Water balloon games commence as well out in the yard!

The teenagers helped come up with so many cool games.

They were really fun to watch!

Sweet Summer on the swing...

...while Aria does her sleepy thing.

The next morning,

these two out on a seemingly innocent stroll up the street.

When Sherlock spots something amiss on the side of the road!

What could we have here?

A weapon?

Grandpa Gary is on the case 

to find out if there is any foul play

surrounding the discovery of this dangerous knife 

on the side of the road.

Until then, we just pray for safety.

And it's off to the mall!

To the treetops to play!

And you will play!

Whether you like it or not!

Sweet Andrea is literally the mom of all moms.

Just a complete baby whisperer.

Mitchell in training as an ice cream man!

His parents are 100% supportive of his career choice.

Time to break out the matching shirts everybody!

I hand painted these myself.

Everyone was a Famous Idaho Potato.

My nickname on the back of the shirt was

Edgar Allan Poetato.

Richard was The Amazing Spuderman.

We had alot of fun making the shirts and giving everyone a nickname.

Harry Totter

Tater Swift

Dashbrowns

Small Fry

Just to name a few.

Here we have Uncle John AKA Darth Tater!

We ate outside for our SLOP FEST!

And then Aunt Sherri and Uncle Brad came to spend some time with us!

And that about does it for our time in Idaho Falls.

Thanks for coming everybody!

See you next time for Stop #3

REXBURG!