Family Reunion

We took 10 days off to visit my family, and attend the Louis Hamblin Family Reunion. There are 10 kids in my Dad's family, and every year, one of those children are in charge of the Reunion. Well, this year it was my Dad's turn. He had been planning, and anticipating this all year long. Down to the very last detail, and it turned out awesome. I am so glad that we were able to go, participate in it, and support my dad. Because it's a 2 days drive to Montana, where my parents live, we wanted to make it worth it. So, we left a little early, and travelled to Idaho first, to visit my sister, Holly, and her family. After spending a few days reconnecting with her, and her family, we drove to Ekalaka, to the Reunion. I didn't get a camera until the last few days of the Reunion, so, I didn't get nearly enough pictures. And, even then, I was chasing around a very active 1 year old most of the time, and couldn't stop to snap a photo.

My favorite photo. Tristan loved my parents instantly, and was so friendly with everyone at the reunion. He has always been such a Momma's boy, but, he's starting to branch out, and let his personality shine.

This is my new adorable nephew, Benson. He is the cutest, sweetest little baby. I just couldn't get enough of him. I am so sad that I won't be able to see him grow up. I just love him!

My kids loved the baby so much. It made me remember when Tristan was that little. They grow up too darn fast! Benson smiled at Taylee a few times.

Can you stand the cuteness?

Ekalaka doesn't have many things. But, it does have an outdoor pool. It's pretty much a piece of junk, but, we enjoyed the $1 price, and took advantage of it one day. Jake got pretty sunburned on the top of his head that day. Gonna have to remind him to put sunscreen up there now a days.

Here's a picture of our kids, and Holly's kids. On Friday of the Reunion, we ventured to Medora, North Dakota, which was a short 2 hour drive. It is a tourist town, famous for the Pitchfork Fondue, and western Musical. I went there about 10 years ago, before Jake and I got married. It was really really hot. But, the dinner and the Musical made it worth it. The Musical is performed in a big outdoor Ampitheater, western style. It was so fun, and my kids (minus Tristan, who went home with Grandma) loved it. It cooled down towards the end of the night, which was very nice!

I don't know why we thought it would be a good idea to go Mini Golfing in 98 degree weather, but, we did. If my kids look hot, it's because they were very very hot. Us poor, die-hard, Pacific Northwesterners can't handle that much sun! It was really hard to take. After this, my kids were like zombies. Rohne was glazed over, and not even talking, until we got in the shade, took his shirt off, and drenched his head in water.

Tristan made it very hard for us to be good golfers, actually. But, he liked it.

Jake taking a shot.

They called all the kids up onto the stage during the Musical. The actors taught them a little song and dance, gave them a microphone, and let them perform. Taylee got really into it. Rohne wasn't so sure.

Jake and Rohne watching the music. It was such a late night. We didn't get back to my parent's house until 1:00 in the morning.

Me and Tay. She's already rolling her eyes at her Mom. What do we have in store? If you think I look tired, it's because I was very tired, and hot. Did I mention it was hot? It was.

Nat and Baby Benson. She is such a good Mommy.

My sister, Holly, and Benson. With the family dog, Missy in the background. My brothers weren't able to come to the Reunion, and Whit couldn't come either. So, it was just 3 sisters. It was really nice to spend time with them, though.

My Grandma Margaret Hamblin. The Matriarch of the group. We celebrated her Birthday while there. She gave a speech that made me cry my eyes out. She is so wonderful!

And, what family gathering would be complete, without a little sing-along and talent show. Here's my mom and dad, with my Uncle Garth and Aunt Ellen. Believe it or not, they used to be in a band together, back in the day. They still sound fabulous together. So much talent! Taylee performed a little number, and did great. She loved all the attention.

We left early Sunday morning, and headed for home. We stayed halfway in a hotel, which was in Missoula, MT. I have a good friend, from childhood, who lives there, and we had planned on meeting up. However, one of us got the dates mixed up, and she was gone camping. But, we saw each other for a very short minute before we headed out of town, and she went to work. I had fully planned on taking a picture, but, I forgot. We then travelled the rest of the way home the next day. The last few hours in the car were torture. For all of us. The baby cried, the kids screamed, and I felt like screaming. But, it was good to finally be home.

After I gave Taylee a bath in the hotel, the water was draining, and Tristan crawled right in, fully clothed. He was very proud.