Family X 2

A few days after we arrived home from our family trip to Tahoe we got spoiled with more family time.  My sister Susan and niece Tori came for a visit.  We quickly got down to business...having fun!  We took a picnic to the park and the kids all had fun climbing this huge tree.

Susan and I found this bench that our feet were so far off the ground it was like being on one of those scary roller coasters.  What ya gonna do?

 We spent a couple of days up at lake Tahoe just soaking up the sun.

Sadi took advantage of Aunt Susie's hairstyling abilities.  It was Ana or Elsa hair everyday!

Of course she repaid Susan and all of us with her "facials by Sadi".  She slathered all of our faces with her magic touch.  My facial had all but dried by this point except for that super thick stache above my lip.

When Susan comes there is always crafting going on.  We all designed shoes and decorated them.  They even made a pair for Jake's girlfriends little girl.  It was fun to see what everyone came up with for their shoes (I think I was inspired by back to school).

Aunt Susan also brought some blankets she helped the kids make.  The kids loved these, and although it is still a bit hot at night they will sweat it out for their new blankies.

We left the little kids home with Daddy one night and had an adult girls only night out.  We went to dinner at a restaurant here in town and then out shopping.

We spent a day up in Virginia City strolling around and had fun stopping into Kelsey's work and put her to work scooping us ice cream.

We tried putting these guys in jail in hopes that we could keep them there.

But...they escaped.  Sadly it always seems the time goes too fast, and we have to say our goodbye's before we're ever ready too.  There is just never enough time for family.

Sunshine or Bust

We had planned to get a family picture at the lake but,  we had to change the time/location several times with our photographer due to the rain.  Our last try was going to be in Virginia City on the last day but what do you know we woke up to rain!  Matt's family was staying up in Virginia City for the night and so we headed up to spend the day with them.  We all had matching shirts which made finding each other easy.  We grabbed a tourist and had them take a photo for us inside the Silver Queen hotel where they were all staying.

You wouldn't know a few hours later that it had been a downpour and we were able to walk around town.  Matt's parents with their kids minus the oldest (Steve) and the youngest (Todd) who were unable to make the trip:

 Our contribution to the Denning line (minus Kyle who had to work):

I'm really lucky to have married into such a great family.  Here's to hoping we are as happy at our 50th as they are.

50th Celebration

Our plans were quickly being adjusted by the weather up at the lake while we were there.  Our plan was to spend the day relaxing in the hot sand, but as you can see it was another cold, dark day.  We thought a good bet was to go to the Tallac museum which is right on the shores of the lake so those who were brave enough to swim could if the weather permitted...which it do not.  We were still able to find some lovebirds on the beach....

It was a quick trip and we didn't get a chance to see it all because the rain showed up...and was not about to let up.

We went back to the cabin and got ready to take Matt's parents out for their anniversary dinner.  

After dinner we went back to the cabin to have some fun.  It was great having most of the grand kids there to celebrate but we sure did miss having two of the Denning families who were not there.

I had made up a game for these two lovers that was pretty entertaining for everyone.  It was called "The not so new newlywed game".  There were some pretty funny stories to go along with some of these answers.

It was fun to see how much they really know each other, and even had some funny new revelations.

After the game I gave them a gift that I had made.  A pineapple made with sparkling cider and ferrero rocher chocolates.  I attached a tag that read:  "Cheers to your golden anniversary"

All the kids pitched in and got them these canvas prints to hang in their house with all the kids and grand kids names on.

Matt's mom brought their wedding album for us to look at and even saved some of the napkins from their reception to use that night.  We are so lucky to have such great examples of love in our lives.

I loved that in the middle of the room Matt's dad put on their wedding song and danced with his sweetheart.  After 50 years of marriage that is what I call true love.

Denning's Do Nevada

The morning after we all arrived at the cabin we went down to Minden for a special surprise.  Matt's Grandpa was having a birthday and so we all met at his favorite restaurant for a surprise birthday.  He turned 87 this day.

After breakfast we all headed to Reno for the day.  We spent the day shopping around town until it started to rain. Normally walking around with Sadi is not  fun, but something about being with cousins just makes it so much better.  These two became friends real quick.

We already had tickets to the Aces evening game and headed over when there was a break in the storm.

We caught Archie for a quick picture while we were waiting in line to get some ribs and hot dogs from the concessions stand.

The sky was getting really dark and it started to rain....again.  We were all ready to brave it out....

until they announced the game was to be cancelled.  We were all a little bummed the weather was not cooperating with our plans, but it's about being together right?

Denning Family Reunion

The morning of the 5th we headed up to Tahoe for a Denning Family reunion.  Matt's parents just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  His parents decided they wanted to get all their kids together for a week to celebrate.  We headed up earlier in the day and stopped for some lunch and shopping.  The kids enjoyed trying out all the ski benches.

After lunch we headed to our cabin in the woods that we would all be staying at together.  It was in a beautiful location although there were A LOT of stairs to actually get to it.

 The kids quickly made themselves at home and were in love with this arcade game inside.

Once some of the rest of the family arrived we spent time visiting, and hearing some interesting stories....

I think the boys spent a good majority of their time on the stairs playing their video games.  I actually didn't let my kids take their electronics and you can see poor Chase trying to join in the fun.

 We got cozy and comfortable real fast...

One of the highlights of the week for me was each morning Matt and I got up early and took a hike before anyone woke up.   There is just something about that mountain air that is really refreshing.

All American Weekend

We kicked off our 4th of July weekend going swimming with our friends, but had to cut our pool time short due to the lightening and rain.  We went home and greeted Uncle David who had just made it to our house.  We had dinner and visited, and it was pretty chilly so we lit a fire and roasted marshmallows.

Although the morning of the 4th was pretty overcast and looked like it was going to rain we headed up to Virginia City for the parade.  This is the first year ever it hasn't been blazing hot, and was actually a bit on the cool side.

Not sure if it was the stormy weather or our good luck, but we got a great spot on Main street to watch the parade.

Wouldn't be a true parade up there without the outlaws shooting their guns.  Sadi hates this part of the parade, because it hurts her ears.

One thing about these small town parades is how up close and personal you are with the parade participants themselves.  Like this jackass.....(this is not at all a zoomed photo, he was literally in my face).

The kids didn't think it was too cold for ice cream.  Guess some traditions stick no matter what.

After the parade we went back home relaxed, watched the hot dog eating contest on t.v., and Matt barbecued ribs.  It was delicious!  We headed back up to V.C. in the evening to watch the fireworks. 

We enjoyed some patriotic cupcakes while we waited for the sky to light up.  It actually got really cold this year, and I think we were all happy when the show finally ended so we could jump in the car and turn on the heat. 

Oh Baby!

The purpose for our trip to Utah was to attend a baby shower for my nephew Jake...who is still a baby to me.  My sister Susan had been planning this shower for months for Jake and his girlfriend Sierra.  The day of the shower we helped set up and get ready for an outdoor barbecue/baby shower. The theme for the shower was John Deere.

The decorations and time put into the detail of the shower was amazing.  Everything from the forks (a.k.a. "pitchforks"), to the dessert table was amazing.  

Sierra's family made the cutest cupcake dessert as well.  It was almost too cute to eat...almost.  You can see the little candy tractors in the background that adorned all the tables.

I had started making my gift before I knew the theme, but I loved the way it turned out.  They needed diapers, so I made them a construction themed diaper cake. 

I also made a gift just for daddy to be.  It was from the F.I.A.(family intelligence agency).  On the front of the box was special instructions for daddy to head up a special operations mission called "Operation Awesome Dad".

Inside the box were different missions to complete.  The first was Operation James Bond Time.  Inside the envelope was a book and baby rattle.

The next mission was Operation: Diffuse the Bomb.  I put in some diapers, wipes, a garbage bag with a special  warning tag, and a nose clip.

The third mission was Operation Stealth Mode (a.k.a. sleep).  I put in a swaddling blanket, binki's, and a eye cover.  I thought it was cute that Jake said he didn't know what a swaddling blanket was.

The last mission was Operation Flaming Fire (a.k.a. Mommy and Daddy relations).  I put in some Iceberg gift certificates with a a tag attached that read:  Call Grandma for a babysitter and take Mommy out for a different kind of "screaming" night.

It turned out pretty cute, and just right for daddy to be.  We had a great time getting to know Sierra and are excited to see what baby Bogie looks like when he arrives in August.

It was nice that some of my Aunt's and Uncles made it out and we got to spend time with cousins.  We got to catch up a little bit with these Smith's.  Nathan who just got home from his mission, Bella who just started driving, and Amanda who just recently got engaged!  (I think another trip to Utah is in the near future).

We also had the best time playing with the Smith girls (Nathan had to leave for work before I got a picture with him).  These kids played all night.

It was such a fun party!  We were sad to leave and head home, there is just never enough family/cousin time!