Celebrating

For the 4th, we went down to the cabin for the annual Maynes' family reunion. This is the big kahuna with Jeff's family and his dad's TEN brothers and sisters and their families (and their families, too). Ok-so not everyone attended. I think that would be a miracle if every Maynes descendant of Roy and Carol made it on the same weekend. It was great to visit with those who could come.



Jeff's aunts crack me up. Cheryl, Virginia and I decided to form an anti-rose club (sorry rose lovers) and 1st on the agenda was deciding the best possible ways to rid our yards of those flowering shrubs that don't ever seem to die. I would share more details but have been sworn to secrecy. ;)



All of Jeff's brothers and sisters (minus Elder Maynes) were there which means babies galore! It was great to see the moms and dads, too. The kids had a blast on the rope swing and the zip line and the partially finished playground including the 2 sandboxes. We had all kinds of yummy food. Bry and McKay decided they were going to build a fire (yikes!) so they could roast marshmallows. One problem boys-you're stacking the would between the gas-run generator and the enormous, gas station-worthy propane tank. Fortunately, grandpa helped them relocate the potential flames.

I also made sure to bring each of my new cutie pies their very own black apple dolls. Really-they are a great baby doll. They are soft and there are no parts that will come off and be swallowed. Here are the 3 newest (l to r: Avery, Ella and Sadie):

To cap the weekend off, we were able to celebrate the last of the niece's blessings. Claire was given a beautiful blessing by her dad which was followed up with beautiful testimonies from her parents. It was such a pretty day to enjoy being with family, too. The weather was cooperative and even cloudy at times, but the temps were always comfy. Isn't she so cute??