Simpson Reunion Rafting Trip

There was a small turn out on the annual float trip with sick kids and moderate weather but the few that went had a fantastic time. It was a lot of fun to see all four brothers out on the river together again.
Left to Right. Gill, Neil, Michael, Hannnah, and siting is Jessica and unseen is Olivia.

Top to bottom. Gordon, Norm, John, Stacy, John, and hard to see is Shae and Nathan.

Family Reunion -July 10-11-12

On our way to the reunion, look who stopped in! My gorgeous sister Arlee and Andy - on their move to the Seattle area- and Leisha who is in the area visiting her family - and getting a quick visit with her in-laws - We are so lucky/blessed to be on the way. I love getting visits - short or long.

Then it was up to Siscra for the Simpson brothers/family reunion. I am awful at taking lots of photos- hopefully I'll get some from Neil, any way - here are the few I took.Zoe collecting stuff
All the great grands & grands after the pinata with Oma great
Opa and kids filling water balloons

The face side of that photo. I think the best part of the reunion is (as Jed said) just letting the kids play freely and getting to know their cousins and greater cousins. One minute they would be on their bikes, the next playing ball or giving wagon rides or crafting or roasting marshmellows or just plain getting dirty. It's all fun.


And we treasure the times we have with Oma Great. Thelma is always amazed at how many of her posterity manage to make it up to the reunion.

I love a parade-4th of July

Our neighborhood had a family parade on the 4th of July. We decorated bikes and had a great time. I do love to clap and cheer for the people who make an effort to participate in a parade! (Bree)
Even if it's parents walking with sleeping babies. (Deven Kim and Ellie)
And especially for all of our grandchildren. (Tyler)We didn't wait til dark to do fireworks. They are just as enjoyable in the daylight- and the added advantage was that we could put the little ones to bed at bedtime.
Tyler Carter Bree and Christy waiting for their turn to pick out fireworks.
Deven and Carlee holding the little ones who did not like the loud bangs.

Hurray for birthday's

Jake turned one on July 1st- Good excuse for a water party and ice cream & brownies! (Shaped like little tanks or cars- oreo wheels and m&m head lights.
Water-balloon catch. (Using the launcher of course)
Slip and slide - Carter catching air.

Schools out party

June
Since McKayla is in year round school, her last day was friday. It was a good excuse to have a girls party sleep-over. Tucker (11 and 10/12ths) was relieved to have an evening and day to be an only child and Tyler was going to sleep at Carters- But when it came time for leaving, the boys said "We want to stay too!" So we had a grandchild's sleep-over with all but The oldest and the youngest. Uncle Kurt set up the tent for the girls and I slept out in the back yard too.

On Saturday, we went to a children's free project at Lowe's. The kids all made Pirate ships. Hammered the nails mostly by them selves.
Next we had to paint the boats. Pirate ships are many different colors. If you don't like the first paint, add some more ... and some more... and some more.

Next check to see if the boat floats.
They float better in the ditch. How-ever you have to watch to be sure the pipe monster doesn't suck your boat in to its out of reach depths.

And Thanks to Opa - the boats were rescued for many a leisurely sail in the ditch.

Fathers Day Tribute

Just a late but heartfelt salute to the dad's in our lives. Fathers, Husband and Sons (including SiL's) Who are wonderful dads and husbands and granddad's and of course, the best OPA ever. We are thankful for you.
Carlee found this cupcake treat for dad's in a magazine - so we made them for the dad's and uncles in our lives (sorry James, you're in Utah- for you the photo and a hug) The finished is a candy lawnmower on a bed of coconut grass.
The sling for Aspen is because she broke her collar bone. The sling just reminds her and us that she is healing and somewhat fragile. Even though she jumps and runs and plays hard. Poor child can't swim, ride bikes or rough house. What a life change for a 3 year old. She will let us know if she gets bumped or she is uncomfortable. Other wise - it's life as usual.

Summer Fun

Now that school is out, we've had a lot of fun with the grandkids. It's always more fun when we have cousins to help join in the activities.
The little ones rode around and around the front turn around and then stopped for a photo. They traded bikes and trikes and ride on's and went around and around. The 4 year olds just graduated from training wheels and are very proud of their new riding ability.
We found this pattern for a flirty gathered skirt and have had great fun making co-ordinating skirts for all the girls. Above is Christy, Hallie and McKayla below showing a couple of the skirts we made. It was lots of fun and they look adorable in the skirts.
And even more fun on the swing Gil and Kurt hung. The kids were having so much fun they were draging their feet on the ground when the swing unwound. They twist the swing around and around and then laugh as it twirls them round and around.
I am thankful for the love and laughter grandchildren bring to us. Isn't life wonderful?