Iowa Pence Reunion

We made the trek back to Iowa for a Big Pence reunion. It was 24 hours in the van, one way. But totally worth it. The kids did exceptionally well. I made binders for them chuck full of activities. They also got new things every few hours to keep them busy.The reunion was all about my grandparents and their lives. They have both passed away, so it was fun to have a full weekend remembering them and being with their prosperity. My aunts planned activities for the great grandkids to do all about them. They made homemade strawberry jam since that is what they did on their farm. The kids also made family history blocks with pictures of their ancestors. And the last station was making Billy Goats Gruff puppets since that was a popular game Gma played out on her bridge on the farm.The kids loved the pond at my Aunt and Uncle’s house. It provided hours of entertainment catching frogs, paddling the  paddle boats and swimming. They also have this great tree house that provided the perfect water slide. Lauren was one of the first ones to go down. No problem. Lindsey usually follows anything Lauren does. She loved it- but didn’t go again.It was great to see some of my cousins and their kids. Can’t wait for the next one!

Red Cliffs Hike

My parents came down for a visit and most of St. George was busy with Ironman participates, so we headed for the hills. We went out by Leeds and went on a very fun, beautiful hike. I’ve heard a lot about this hike but we had never been. I’m so glad we finally made it. It was the perfect little hike. Even Lindsey kept up and the views were amazing. Something we will do again for sure.

My brother and his family went with us too. We took a lunch and ate after our hike. And the kids played some more. The little ones slept very well on the way home.

Hardware Ranch

For New Year’s we went up to Logan to see my parents and most of my siblings.  We packed snow boots, hats, mittens, snow pants, etc. all ready to take the kids sledding for the first time.  Well, it was beautiful up there, but no snow.  We had to get some use out of all the snow gear we hauled up there, so my parents took us to Hardware Ranch in Hyrum City. We rode a sleigh (trailer) pulled by Clydesdale horses out to see a herd of Elk.Afterwards, we went into their visitors center where the kids got to touch a lot of animals and do some kids activities.When my camera is out, Lindsey says, “take my picture” and then does her cute smile with the head tilted. Then it’s “let me see, let me see” So we have lots of these cute pics of Lindz.These two were cracking us up.  While on the ride people were asking questions about the elk and these two were done.  At one point Taylor said that those people asking questions were ruining his ride. Oh my. They were done and ready to move on so they were playing this silly game.

July 4th

 We had such a fun time last year at Bear Lake with the Pence Gang- we decided to go again this year.  It was much cooler than the year before, but we still had a great time. The beach is always a fun place.  The kids just love it there.  We also played water balloon games at the park, played with sparklers and other fire works. 

Gma had gotten all the kids matching flag shirts- don't they look great! Gpa makes his famous shakes. And it's always fun to be with cousins and family.

I Love my Family!

Talia's Baby Shower

All my sisters and sister-in-laws threw a surprise baby shower for my sister-in-law, Talia. Yes, she is 35 weeks and having TWO babies. TWO boys.

All the girls


Label for the Red and Blue drinks

Invite- the theme was basketball and baseball.

We played TWO games. Each diaper was wrapped in either blue or red ribbon to use as the balls. Each person got TWO "balls"
to throw. There were TWO "baskets"- a red bucket and a blue bucket.

For the baseball game, we played baseball word scramble.

I made TWO taggies- basketball and baseball. I also made TWO onezies with ties.

Red and blue, of course!

TWO Party favors- Baseball Cracker Jacks and a Basketball whistle

(Mom, click on the picture to see the tag)

Our lunch was brats, nachos, and salads. And each person got TWO cupcakes- a baseball and basketball cupcake. We had such a fun time together. She got a lot of cute things.

A Visit from my Parents

We love it when my parents come to visit us. As you can see, we all have a great time, including Lindsey.
Gma is so good to play transformers with Taylor.

Lindsey wasn't so sure of Gpa at first. She clearly needed to check him out a bit.

A visit without reading lots of books is not allowed!

Taylor made his favorite food- spiced apples with Gpa. Taylor also got a lesson on how to peel potatoes.
This trip was espcially fun for the kids because my parents stayed in a hotel one night just so the kids had a swimming pool and a fun playground to play on. And since it rained the entire weekend they were here, we were so thankful for the inside playground and indoor pool. The kids loved it.
Lauren
Thanks for coming to see us Gpa and Gma!

Christmas would not be Christmas without....

"What I always wanted!"

Matching jammies with cousins

Gingerbread houses (We went the easy route this year -Rice Krispie house) The kids love this tradition

An Awesome Christmas

All 6 siblings, 1 house, 1 Gpa and Gma, 8 grandkids under the age of 7, LOTs of good food!

2 turkeys

1 ham
15 gallons of milk
25 two liter soda
8 quarts of eggnog
7 lbs of butter
3 batches of homemade rolls
triple batch of pancakes
15 lbs of potatoes
15 loaves breakfast bread
8 dozen eggs
8 (16 oz) steaks
7 lbs pork loin
1 gallon nacho cheese
2 giant sticks of summer sausage
2 big bags of tortilla chips
6 bags potato chips
lots of cookies and treats
1 loan batch of caramel corn...

Need I say more?????????