quality time

We just returned home from a two day camping trip. My aunt Ruth and cousin Olivia arrived Tuesday and on Wednesday we all met up and went camping. There were seven kids and seven adults and one dog. We had a blast, it was so nice to relax and catch up. Even though there were tons of kids from the age of 4 (Lexi was the youngest) to 9 (Kyler was the second oldest), there were virtually no fights. I was impressed. They were plenty busy with the water, toys, canoe, bugs, snacks and whatever else they could discover.
My brother and his family leave Sunday. Although they've been here for over a week, it feels like they just arrived and I feel as though I didn't see enough of them.
My friend and her family arrive tomorrow night and stay almost a week. My aunt and cousin will remain a few weeks.
I feel like I've been busy since mid June and haven't slowed down yet. I'm beat but having a blast everyday.
Here are some photos of our trip:
Bumper stickers you'd never see in Utah

Alexia Brei

these two are one in the same...my dad and aunt Ruth

roasting marshmallows aunt Ruth and Olivia

aunt Ruth, my dad and Lucy (yes, his dog is wearing a dress!)

Lexi munching on marshmallows

Anthony and Olivia dancing

my dad and step mom, Sophia Kyler shooting a can with a b.b. gun

Johnny and Gabriel

Olivia, my second cousin

Anthony (step sister's son) claimed to be Lexi's dolls dad. It was adorable, he followed her everywhere, said that he was going to marry her and even hugged and kissed her goodbye.

Jared throwing knives

the kids played in grandpa's canoe for hours

the view

Lexi's such a good mama

putting her baby's feet in the water

posing

mommy and baby

wearing daddy's life jacket

sun bathing

Kyler

Kyler and I

of course, he wanted a silly face picture

Johnny taking Gabriel for a ride, look at how Gabey sits in there with his little feet crossed.

Kyler

Gabriel

Have you ever heard of a dog who eats fruit? Lucy LOVES watermelon

Jared and Lexi kayaking

then it was my turn

my dad took Lexi and Olivia in the canoe while I followed in the kayak, we saw fish and salamanders galore

Johnny, the mountain man

the sunset

Our flashlight hike:

Orion and Kyler hugging

my barbecue face son and I

Orion

Lexi with her baby in tow

Kyler keeping his eyes peeled for ferocious predators, haha

the flashlight hike group

It takes too long to post the photos larger, however if you click on them you can see them full size