Pearce Family Reunion July 2010

We went to the Pearce family reunion in Utah in July. Tom couldn't take work off, so I went with my 5 kids. (I don't really know what I was thinking.) My parents are a lot of help though, I guess that's what convinced me. I'm glad I went, but I've never known such physical and mental exhaustion. It was great to see everybody. My kids had a blast playing in the stream and getting dirty, even finding and capturing bats! Here are some photos of our camping experience.

Kai, lovin' the dirt...

Kalea with her girly cousins. Elizabeth, Audrey, and Libby.
Neil was teaching Jackson how to skip a rock.

Jackson, Neil, and Michael

Loco

Happy for the time being, only 'cause of the water nearby and a sucker

Had to post this one for the eyelashes

This is Kalea's embarrassed face. Her boat didn't win and she didn't want to take a picture with it but I made her.

Kai was very proud of his boat. The kids made their own boats from various random materials and then they raced.

Uncle Devin and Jackson. Jackson's boat came in 2nd place.

The river and the boats.

Jett loved the water. Could NOT stay out of it. I think the delicate ecosytem balance was thrown off by all the rocks added to the stream by mister Jett. Here is his reaction to a big rock thrown in the stream by Papa. "WHOA!"

Big splash!

Papa found a bunch of big rocks and was throwing them in the water to make big splashes. The kids loved it!

Thanks to all the family for the fun times. I wish I took more pictures. Too busy I guess!

Keani's bath

I know these are a little late, but better late than never I always say.

Keani's blessing

Here are the pictures of Keani's blessing. Tom's parent's came, and we had a great visit with them. We just love them so much and enjoyed every minute. The kids especially enjoyed singing with Pam and swimming at their hotel pool. They also loved their gifts that "Mutti and Abba" gave them. (Pam, Kai can NOT put the Elmo song book down. He knows every song, and sings all day long!)

The Adams' family came too, and we were so glad to have them there to share in the special day. They hung out afterwards and as usual, we had lots of laughs, and miracle of miracles, Jody stayed awake during a movie! We feel so blessed to have such great friends.

Kasey and his family, and Brandon and his family, as well as my mom and dad were there too. We missed Dane's family, who normally would have been there, but were visiting Jamie's family in VA. I just love having family close, and having such great men stand in the circle was so wonderful. I was so emotional all day because I felt so blessed. Thank you to our family and friends who helped make it such a beautiful day for our little Keani Lynne.

With Kevin and Jody Adams above, Tom's parents, Pam and Norman aka "Mutti" and "Abba" below.

With my parents, and Kasey and Katie.

Brandon's family

Kai (whoa) and Brock Adams

We had a yummy lunch after the blessing

And here are some cute pictures of our little angel.

(My favorite! Yawn, it's tiring being so cute...)

The commentary for the picture below went something like this..."For the love of all that's holy, go lay Jett down for a nap, he's driving everyone crazy...Wait! We have to get a family picture first! Jett, smile! Aww, forget it just take the picture..." A mostly happy family!

4th of July

Happy Birthday America!

Tom's parents came for Keani's blessing, and joined in the fun.
Keani's 4th of July dress

Bev and Bella, (Brandon's wife, Kasey's daughter)

Jackie Boy takin' a break from the waterslide

Shootin' the breeze with Tom's dad, Norman, and my mom, Denise, who's holding Keani. Tom COULD NOT stop playing word mole whatchamacallit to pose for the picture...

Bekah and Kalea

Jett and Kai with Kasey's son Cody. Cheetos...yummy and flourescent orange.

This next picture was taken at Tom's company picnic at Heritage Park.

This is the girls getting ready for my baby shower. Sadly, it's the only one! I was so occupied with visiting with everyone, that I forgot to take pictures, or ask someone to take them! It was such a nice night though. It was at my friend Shannon's Dickman's house, and my mom and sister-in-laws all helped. Bev made the cutest invitations and the ever-popular pink cake-pops with little "thank you" tabs on them. The food was so yummy and there were cute pink decorations everywhere. There were about 25 people there and it was just perfect. Keani got the cutest things from everyone. I feel so blessed to have such good friends and a loving family that would throw such a fun party for me and Keani. And besides that I've had so much help from everyone while we adjust and I recover! We have had so many yummy meals and my kids have had so many great play dates while I got to rest. I am so lucky! Thank you! She always has her legs folded up like this, I know she must have been like this inside me.
My little helper

"It was so bright mom, so we grabbed your sunglasses!" Silly boys.