California

A few weeks ago I took the kids out to California to visit family.  Ganon had to stay and work, so I was flying solo with the 5 kiddos.  Our flight out of Albuquerque was delayed, and we had a tight connection to make in San Diego, so they ended up holding the plane for us there while I dragged my kids off the plane, across the airport, and onto the next plane.  I got a lot of looks passing every single person on the plane as we walked to the very back row they had saved for the 6 of us.  But the kids did great--I was really proud of them. We had a great time with family for 2 weeks.  My most favorite part was watching the kids play with their cousins.  Everyone got along and had a great time together--I love how there is no awkwardness between little kids, especially cousins.  They just started playing together even though we hadn't seen them for a long time.

We spent our first week in Merced visiting Ganon's side of the family.  We did a lot of swimming, and enjoyed 4th of July with the extended family.

 Blake and Jake, look at those blue eyes!

 Camille with Great-Grandma Rowan:

 Emily and Camille, what cute girls:

 Ganon's parents with the kids:

After Merced we headed up to Folsom to visit the Kroffs (my side)

Boating at Folsom Lake:

The trampoline continues to be the center of activity...

Jacob safely watched from the sidelines.

 Andrew was in heaven with his twin cousins, Parker and Bryan.  They bonded immediately.

 Slip 'n' Slide fun:

 Again, watching safely from the sidelines.
This time guarded by Ace:

 Rub a dub dub, 6 cousins in the tub!

 We decided the Slip 'n' Slide alone was not dangerous enough.  

We pulled out a ski rope and started pulling them down it.
It was really fun.

 Lake Tahoe for the day:

 Riding my Uncle Jed's horses:

 And riding my Uncle Jed's bed (it rolls outside onto the deck):

Riding the 4 wheeler at my parent's property:

My parents had all 11 of their grandkids together for most of the week.  Here they are all lined up--so fun!