This year's cousin party was hosted by J.C. and Julia, in Dietrich.
We gathered Friday night. After setting up our tents and getting situated, we played, talked and hung out.
The next morning, Grandpa Smullin had his video camera out. We each took turns being recorded as we answered his questions.
Right before Jason and I got in front of the camera I asked, "How is my hair? (worried about bed-head, cuz I hadn't looked in the mirror yet).
He said, "It's fine. You're beautiful."
Later I looked in the mirror and my hair was NOT fine..I had a "wing" on my left side! Great.. my bed-head had now been documented on video for posterity.
Grandma Smullin & Rylee
Cameron-Emma-Joshua-Adam
David
Lynley
JC and Julia's awesome backyard. Julia built most of the play equipment by herself! She's one handy-woman.
As each person woke up, they ate breakfast at their leisure; fruit, sweet rolls and juice...yum!
Jordyn & Taylee
Christian
We played and visited throughout the morning, until it was time to go to the park and pool.
Jak
Abree
Joshua & Treyson
Emma-Abree-Lynley-Jordyn
Treyson-Christian-Adam
Sydney
Bob
Sarah
Ethel
Emma & Lynley
Brandon & Jared
Dexter the Dog
Joshua & Taylee
Rockstar!
Jordyn
We caravanned over to the park/pool in Shoshone and set up lunch.
Sleepy Christian and J.C.
Jason
We had a build-your-own Mexican style bar; nachos, tacos, burritos, taco salad..or your own creation.
Jak-Brandon-Sydney
Sarah-David
Julia-Grandma Smullin
Jared..check out that beard!
After lunch was over, we had a friendly (salt dough) sand castle building contest, between families.
Each one was so different!
Can you guess which family built this one?
Bet you can.
After sand castles, it was time to go swimming!
Not 10 minutes after we got there, J.C. looked like this!
On the second or third dive off the board, J.C.'s eye/nose caught the pennant banner strung across the pool. He felt it when he hit, but didn't know how serious it was until getting out he saw blood dripping. Aunt Cathy's medical supplies to the rescue...and an Otter Pop from the pool staff for swelling.
Ouch!
He teased later that he could come up with some GOOD stories when someone asked about his eye...
"You should see the other guy!"
"My wife was upset and..."
Melissa
Jason hammed it up for the crowd. Showing off his diving skills...or lack thereof. :)
Major splash!
Treyson
David
Abree catching some shade?
After swimming yummy snacks; Jello popcorn, frozen grape kabobs, gummy fish/sharks and Goldfish crackers.
Next it was time for some ice excavating. The kids hammered, banged, picked and sawed into the colored ice to retrieve the prizes inside.
Jessica
Rylee
Julia and I set up a "photo booth" for each cousin to get their photo taken by Grandpa Smullin.
Abree
They could choose the Mermaid grotto...
Treyson
or Surfer, with a close call, Shark bite.
California girl, Taylee
Julia had made shark fins and hats for the boys and shell crowns for the girls.
So cute!
Cathy pregnant with # 7 and Julia pregnant with # 6... both due in September.
Baby Bellies!
Up next, crafts.
Rylee & Jade
Colton
Do you hear the "Jaws" theme playing???
Treyson
Jared
Lynley
Going to work?
So cute.
JC-Julia
Our wonderful Cousin Party hosts.
Melissa made this "Angry Birds" game.. that Jeremiah thoroughly enjoyed.
Aren't they cute?
Nate-JC
BBQ for dinner
Ethel-Cathy
Jessica-Catie Jo-Ethel
Jak
After a long, wonderful day, this is probably how many felt.
This little sharky was T-I-R-E-D.
But the party didn't end there. We loaded up the vans/cars and headed back to JC and Julia's for more food, family and fun. Some started for home, while others spent a second night..being promised yummy bacon in the morning. :)
Thank you JC and Julia!
