Fort Peck Reunion 2014

Over the 4th of July, we made the trek east to spend time with Ryan's family.  It was so great to all be together and spend a whole week camping, fishing, playing with cousins and just enjoying a chance to catch up with each other. 

Checking out the wheat at Grandpa Larry's while waiting for the cousins to arrive.

My little tomboy who is perfectly happy playing in the dirt like her brothers.(:  The kids were overjoyed to discover Grandpa Larry's stash of trucks and tractors.

On Monday morning, we were all ready to head to the campground but the wind and showers kept us from heading out too early.  Of course the kids didn't care.  As soon as we arrived, they were ready to PLAY!

Early in the week, the campground was pretty quiet and the kids had the run of the place.  

By the end of the week, Melita had abandoned her strider bike and figured out Logan's bike.  Logan wasn't too sure about the whole deal until his cousin Benjamin gave him a camo chair he'd outgrown...

 

then all was well!(:  He hauled that chair everywhere and especially enjoyed trailing Grandpa Larry.  Thanks again Benjamin!  He is quite pleased with his new chair.

Sidewalk chalk need not be relegated to sidewalks...that was one beautifully decorated table!

The playground tire swing brought many a smile...

 especially with Heidi giving the older girls a good push.

We loved seeing Monique and meeting her cute little guy Tate one evening.  So glad you made the trek to join us for a bit!

 Uncle Dale and Russell enjoying a little chat.

The youngest of the cousins sat around the table and generally kept each other quite entertained while occasionally getting a bite to eat.(:

Much of the time was spent around water either fishing or playing.  (Although it could be argued that they are one and the same.)

I love this picture of the pond where the kids caught and released bunches of bluegill.  I love the colors, the big sky, the men and their boys all intent on catching fish.

Lane with a little bluegill.  Only the bluegill got tossed back.  Their morning expeditions brought back walleye and pike.  Here they are in the middle of the usual mid-morning routine of checking out the morning's catch.

Uncle Rob patiently took the kids for rides in his canoe.  Their smiles tell the story!

Kids keep themselves well entertained with buckets and sand.  Hot tub anyone?  Or maybe a waterfront castle?
 

 Fun times!

And last but not least (are you still with me?)...

On our last night together, we had a 'ladies night out.'  We left the kids with their dads (except for my oldest nieces Kyla and Lana who were taking this picture) and took in 'Cheaper by the Dozen' at the historic Fort Peck Summer Theatre.  It was great fun to spend some time together without chasing kids!  A perfect end to a memorable week!

Up next...family pictures!