Family Reunion 2014

 This year Keith's family reunion was outside Ely, Nevada.  We left on Thursday afternoon, and were the second family to arrive at the reunion although quite a few more arrived later that night.  We had Arby's for dinner Thursday night.  We did some exploring around camp and Keith got our tent set up.   Friday morning we had pancakes and sausage for breakfast, then went on a little hike near the campground.  There were trails that are also used for cross country skiing.  We saw a sign for a warming hut, but must not have hiked far enough to find it.  Caleb wondered why we were going to a warming hut anyway when we were already hot.  After lunch I tried to get Spencer to take a nap, but it was too hot in the tent to sleep.  We tried laying him just outside the tent, but he was distracted by all the dirt and rocks to play with that he wouldn't sleep.  The kids spent much of the day working on building forts and running around with cousins.  Alyssa was excited when her girl cousin closest in age came, and they were almost inseparable.  She is the only one Alyssa let into her fort.  She kept talking about her friend, and was excited she would get to play all day Saturday with her as well.  The family in charge had a Safari theme for the reunion which was tons of fun.  Friday night we had a group meal of hot dogs and jello salads.  When Spencer saw Aunt Ella carrying around boxes of jello he instantly wanted to help.  So he helped to make one of the salads including licking the Cool Whip lid, and the other kids helped by drinking the pineapple juice that was drained from the pineapple before it was added to another jello salad. 

 The kids had fun riding on this zebra.  The group site was amazing with a large, covered pavillion, sand volleyball court that the kids dug in, horseshoe pits, and an amphitheater. 

Playing with their shooters, and Caleb scavenging for spare parts to modify his shooter

 Saturday morning was full of activities starting with a Fun Run/walk.  Then the kids built marshmallow shooters and went on a Safari Hunt (shooting stuffed animals in the trees with marshmallows).  Each of the kids got to keep one of the animals to take home.  Then they were able to make crafts: pencil boxes, bracelets, boats or get their faces painted.  Alyssa made 10 bracelets, and Caleb got a special prize for his boat building skills.  For lunch we had a potluck lunch followed by a talent show.  Caleb played the William Tell Overture and Parker demonstrated his skills with changing his marshmallow shooter into two marshmallow shooters.  There were 3 pinatas, and the traditional sawdust pit with prizes and money hidden inside.  We had a quick taco dinner and headed home. 

He knows how to make it ring

We listened to Fancy Nancy Hair Dos and Hair Don'ts, Operation Trinity:39 Clues The Cahill File Series Book 1, and The Chocolate Touch on our drive.  My kids enjoy listening to audiobooks to help pass the time.  Caleb was the only one of the kids still awake by the time we got home late Saturday night.  The kids loved camping, playing outside all day, staying up late, running around with cousins, eating candy, building forts, and just being kids.  It was great!