Reunion Day 2: Later

Later that night, Tim and Dusty invited us over for S'mores, cooked over their backyard fire.
We cozied up around Tim's fire pit that he'd built himself.

They introduced us to the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup S'more, a treat not to be missed. In fact, it's my new favorite.

Rick takes great pride in his perfectly roasted marshmallows.

A fire is so mesmerizing, or maybe it's the conversation?

One of the great things about Tim and Dusty's house is that its situated on the foothills of a little mountain. Great views and great hiking.

I love my Bonnie!

Reunion Day 2

It took us half the day to recover from our New Year's Eve extravaganza. Once we finally got our acts together, we convened at Uncle David and Aunt Martha's house for lounging and grazing. I've long loved get-togethers at their house because they have a beautiful backyard for all the kids to play in.

We used to come pillage for citrus when we lived in town. They have enormous lemon, orange, grapefruit, and tangerine trees.

Jake, Jordan, and Brax played a whole lot of football that afternoon.

Jordan is a natural athlete like her parents.

The little kids enjoyed playing in the sand and bouncy house.

I think it was a treat for these Utah cousins to play outside on a warm day.

The jungle gym was a favorite too.

I'm particularly proud of this shot of Maile...

We were missing a few cousins, but I don't think we could have fit them into the picture anyway.

What a bunch of hams!

I don't think I've ever seen a bad picture of Miss Jaiden.

Don't be fooled. Emma's not wearing lipstick - that's just candy!

Emma sure misses her Aunt Dusty!

Isn't it amazing how babies can sleep through the cacophony of a family reunion? We must have worn poor Joel out.

This one is for my neighbor Emily...Emily and Erin were friends back at Orem High. Small world!

Sisters...

Kooky Kids!

Same genes - same orthodontist.

What did you do New Year's Eve?

I just did the math and this post is 2 weeks overdue. Ha! Here's a shake down of our New Year's Eve celebration in Glendale, AZ.

There was plenty of clownin' around...

...and more cute cousins than one could count!

I got to meet my other baby nephew, Evan.

In fact, the place was literally crawling with babies!

We took turns "entertaining" each other during the Earl Family Talent Show. Here's a pic of Gracie and Tucker doing some stand-up comedy. No one laughed harder at their jokes than they did.

Can you guess Sheila's special talent?

It was a treat to hear people sing and play instruments.

Papa put together a wonderful slide show that produced a few sniffles and tears.

After the big show, we had lots of time to visit while the kids ran around the gym.

Some cousins I hadn't seen in years!

My dear sister Bonnie - what a hottie!

Emma knew just what to do to get little Evan to smile and coo.

Dusty and I found out that we have matching cameras. I bet we have some matching pictures too!

When we moved, Rachel was just a baby. Now look at her!

Awwwww. So sweet!

I had to add this pic because I love Tim's beard.

Midnight came a little early for the Earl Family. We celebrated with balloons and horns and BREAKFAST. I loved that idea! Thanks Mom and everyone that contributed the fabulous food.

I think Rick had a little too much to eat.

Jake held Evan, but he didn't have the same touch that Emma had. I had to spot him, just in case.

Family, food, and fun. What a great way to start 2010!

Meet Joel

As many of our blog readers know, we recently traveled to Phoenix for an Earl Family Reunion. We got to see many extended family members throughout the week (stay tuned for more on that). One of the highlights though, was meeting our two baby nephews that arrived back in November.

Sheila and Mario are responsible for this little cutie named Joel. He was a little suspicious of me, but he obliged long enough for me to fall in love.

It was a treat to see how our other nephews and nieces had grown since last year. Gracie is now a smarty-pants Kindergartner!

To say that Jacob and Emma were happy to be in back in Arizona is a complete understatement.

Emma made sure she got plenty of Joel snuggles too.

Joel is a very bright and active baby, but Emma did quite well keeping him happy.

I'm so proud of my sweet sister Sheila and her doting husband Mario. They are naturals at the whole parenting thing!

Who wants to get ready for bed when there's so much fun to be had with Papa?

It feels just like our old Sunday night dinners...

One last kiss before you go Joel!