Lovin' Summer

Summer is in full swing around here. We just got back from a trip to Iowa to see everyone there. As usual Grandma and Papa had lots of fun things for us to do while we were together...crafts, treasure hunts, games, food, an amusement park, and a water park. It's not an easy task keeping 24 people fed, housed, and entertained, but they manage to do it. One day they even organized an Amazing Race for the adults where we had to collect clues from all around town...including coordinating t-shirts for the teams to wear (thanks to Crystal for that too). It was so fun and creative.

Mia enjoying some ice cream at a shop up town.

Caden is such a great cousin. He helped us keep track of Jaren many a time and loved to tote Jade around all over the place. Here he is giving her a push on the swing.

The kids checking out a snake at a local park. Ewww.

Last summer at our reunion Uncle Rich introduced us to "The Family Auction". Everyone donates homemade items that are put up for auction. We earn play money to spend at the auction by doing chores or tasks throughout the reunion. It has proved to be a highly anticipated event. It's so fun to see every one's creativity and to get to take a little piece of one another home.

Gavin throwing his hat in the ring for another fabulous auction item.

Libbie with some loot she bought at the auction.

These moments are the best...Grandma telling the kids a story with her fun Little Red Riding Hood puppet.

Jaren catching some Zzzz on Uncle Brennan.

More proof that marrying a Cardon guy is a great thing. Here are two dads changing poopy diapers at the same time.

Some of the smaller ones waiting for the bigger ones to get off a ride.



Jaren on the carousal with Daddy.

Once upon a time, I told my sister-in-law Rachel it would be fine to put her sunglasses in our back pack...they would be protected. Well, it wasn't fine and they broke. Then upon another time, I let Claire wear Rachel's sunglasses at a water park, and apparently these ones broke too. I really hope it wasn't Claire's doing, but then again here is proof that it may have been. Sorry again Rachel.

Mallory at the water park...trying to save her eyes from the very bright reflection.

One day when we were at the mall, Papa went to the church and set up an obstacle course in the gym for the kids. They had to climb over things, crawl under things, run, and dribble a crazy ball. It was so fun to watch them try to better their time. What a fun grandpa they have.

Claire and Mia taking care of Duke. They all love this dog so much.

Parachute in Grandma's yard.

Jaren loved to go through Grandma's recycling box and find treasures. He spent a lot of time with this container. Ha ha.

Macy suggling Jaren at a rare quiet moment for this busy boy.

We can't believe it but Mallory celebrated her 6th birthday this month. We were in Iowa so it was fun to spend it with our family there.


Mallory asked for a plasma car for her birthday this year. Here she is trying it out.


Mallory had a "puppy party" with some of her pals before our trip Iowa. The kids were great sports and went along with all our silly dog games...even competing to see who could lap up a bowl of water the fastest.



The first of many swims in the back yard with friends.

Jaren is taking after his daddy and has developed a great love for any type of ball. And he has an awesome kick, let me tell you.

We had a fun time watching Mallory perform at her kindergarten graduation. She had a speaking part and did a great job saying it loud and clear. Here she is posing with her best buddy Cambrya.