Sam's Birthday

Sam's birthday fell smack in the middle of our family reunion.  We asked if he was okay with celebrating when we got home.  He happily agreed.  While in Rexburg we did buy ice cream sandwiches for all the kids in honor of his birthday and gave him a mini drone.  The ice cream was devoured and the drone quickly broke.  Thankfully, we were able to return it to the local Walmart and get a Batman towel and a couple "squishies" as replacements.  Sam was very contented with his birthday.  A better drone came a few days later from Amazon.

Afton, my cousin, wanting to make sure we celebrated Sam's 8th birthday to her satisfaction, also bought a huge chocolate sheet cake she surprised him with after dinner.  Sam bashfully said, "I like seeing my name on a cake" and "Can we have my birthday at the reunion again?"  I guess I needn't have worried he would feel neglected on his birthday.

A couple days after we made it home, we celebrated with family.  At Sam's request, Libby made a hamburger cake.  It was enjoyed by all, except Sam, who almost never eats the delectable desserts prepared in his honor.

Sam can't have a birthday without superhero merchandise.  He's read almost all the superhero books in the library and can quote all the facts.  When we watch Marvel or DC movies, he is the resident expert and helps the rest of us understand what is happening.  I guess I'm just grateful he gets most of his information from books and not the movies.  It makes me feel like a slightly better mom.

He blew out all eight candles and now it is official.  My baby is eight years old.  He is so excited to be baptized soon.

Reunion

Every couple years my mom's family has a reunion.  This year it was in Rexburg, and although it was a smaller turnout than usual, we had excellent fun.

We loaded the van with all our kids, my mom, and all our stuff.  Michael was very proud of his packing job.  I am posting it here so everyone can marvel at its splendor. We shouldn't have bothered to bring any food.  The amount of delicious food served would make you jealous if I described it all. I will just let you imagine the weight gain.

My cousin's daughter, Afton, who has four kids of her own, became the official hairdresser.  My girls won't let me do anything beyond a simple braid, but for Afton they sat patiently while she conceived and executed elaborate styles:

Libby had this same mohawk braid two days in a row.  She loved it and insisted I watch how it was done, so we could recreate it. I have not tried it yet. I'm a little afraid.

Grace sported a different style everyday.  Everyone fell in love with her hair. They should just be grateful they don't have to brush and braid it every. Single. Morning.

We also got to enjoy some stunning sunsets.  This is the only thing I miss about living in Jordan Valley, OR.  I love sunsets over flatlands!

Just an awesome video Michael took of Libby's true talent.  We are proud, and highly amused.

We were planning on spending a day in Yellowstone, but the kids vetoed getting back in the car. Cousins also begged us not to go. We spent the extra day with our relations, swam in a man-made lake, and were happy.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone in 2020!