Wilkins Ninja Warrior

We all gathered at Petersen's Barn for the annual Wilkins Reunion over Labor Day.  The theme was Wilkins Ninja Warrior, so Hudson came dressed to impressed.

 Some of the fiercest warrior contenders.

There was quite an assortment of sleeping accomodations: wall tents, grain bins, and sheep camps.  And since I have a fascination with sheep camps, it was a no brainer.  Although Hudson had to be outsourced because we all couldn't fit in the tight quarters.

 It was comfortable and cozy, the only down side was the thin roof so the rain sounded something fierce during the middle of the night.

 Everyone is always so good to pitch in and get things done although Ryan and Maren were the master minds behind this year's activities.

 Our Crew

 Ruby and Linky: the dangerous couple

 Grandpa Wilkin's train rides

 There were a number of obstacles that even the younger kids were involved it.

 Hudson making a go of it for the personal challenge despite the rain.

 The kids completed the first half, but the rain put a damper on it for the adults.

There were balancing challenges, rings, and wall climbing.

 Ruby who kept Grandma on the sidelines since she was sporting a boot and recovering from surgery.

 After lunch, the rain subsided and the sun came out.  Just in time for one last day on the kayaks and jet skis.

First Day of School 2013

We no more than blinked and the summer was gone and it was time for the kiddos to head back to school.  It was good the weather was still warm and shorts were appropriate because any leftover pants from the previous year were more like capris and slim fit.  I'm still in shock that the summer turned my kids into a third, first and preschooler respectively.  Hudson has 'the new' Ms. Crofts.

Dalanie gets to experience Fantastic First Grade with Mrs. Murray.

Trusty bus #7 came to a stop in front and begged my kids to board.  So glad it did!

 

Although Ruby didn't start Joy School until after Harvest Break, I decided to include her here.

Parish Family Pictures

My cousin, Carli Hobson, took family pictures while we were all together.  It was no small feat to have every single person there, but we did it.  Stephens and Brent got into Burley earlier in the day.  Ty and Tameka left straight from the shoot to get on the road for their long drive home.  We had to skedaddle on home too, considering the first day of school was the following day.  I was pretty happy how they turned out.  Here are some of my favorites.

Packing It In

Mom met me in Pocatello to get the girls a few days early for Grandma's Camp.  It was a princess theme.  They built a cardboard castle, ate pancakes with extra sprinkles, dressed up, and had lots of fun.

 The veteran Grandma-Campers with newbie, Millie.

 I accepted an invitation to go running with Dad.  Holy smokes, I haven't ran most of the summer so it was quite a challenge.  But who can let their old man show them up?  We had a nice visit during the run.  I think it was all part of his strategy because by the end he turned on the gas and beat me.  I had nothing left.

 Maple bars on the swing for breakfast.

 We enjoyed a trip to the river with the Wilkins clan.  I am happy to report that after all these years, and babies, I got up the first try on the slalom ski and pulled off several 360's on the knee board. 

 Hudson and Mason spent a majority of the time out in the kayaks.

 Enjoying their time with Baby Truman.

 Enjoying Paul's new splash pad.

 This fancy cowboy and his snug pants.  Trying to keep this kid in clothes is a full time job.  I took a brand new pair of pants for him.  He pulled the tags off, put them on, and came walking upstairs.  Oh my goodness, how he ever gone them on and done up is a mystery to me.  No worries, he didn't mind.  Actually, he thought they looked quite good on him.

Ty, Tameka, Mom, Dad, me, and 7 of the grand kids went to the fair.  We were quite the spectacle with our stroller brigade.  Mom and I volunteered to take the kids home while the others went to the rodeo.   No part of the rodeo sounded fun with worn out, exhausted kiddos.  It was no small feat getting them all to the suburban and buckled up.  Luckily Hudson wanted to stay, so we had just enough room for 6 kids in car seats.  But that opened another can of worms- other kids wanted to stay, so there was a bunch of crying going on.  We finally bribed them with a 'special treat' (aka mini popsicles) that Mom ran into Albertsons and got.  Once home we got them all bathed, production line style.  Thank goodness for Dalanie!  She helped hold the littlest ones while we juggled the others.  Chris and Deidra went to her class reunion.  Poor little Truman doesn't take a bottle and was starving.  I handed Delsie and a bottle to Mom and nursed Truman.  Finally, all kids were asleep and the house was quiet.  Mom and I enjoyed our own Haagen Daaz chocolate bar as a reward.

 Dalanie's beauty shop.

 These two got to hang out on the floor together.