Family Road Trip 2010 - Part IV

See? I'm so behind... I'm still blogging JULY!!!

After visiting in Utah for a little bit, we headed to St. Anthony, Idaho for John's immediate family reunion.

We rented this place, which is perfect for a large family with lots of kids. Seriously, check it out.

The next afternoon we took family pictures.

This whole crew started with these two:


I think it's fun to see us try and get some family pictures. Jonah was obviously not interested in getting his picture taken...

Below, is all of John's family; all nine kids.

John is such a goober.

Here are all the grandkids: Since this picture there has been another one born.

The whole gang: Do you like John's transitional lenses? And, Jonah's pacifier. I totally forgot it was in his mouth!!

Tuesday Tips

HOW TO FIND A FEW MINUTES OF REST WITH A NEW BABY:

TIP #1: HIRE A BABYSITTER... OR... BETTER YET, USE YOUR FIVE YEAR OLD FOR FREE!

I had Trevan hold Jonah while I went to the bathroom, and I came back and Jonah had fallen asleep. Trevan was pretending.


Trevan asks to hold Jonah how I hold him, and Jonah fell asleep here too. Trevan is good! Maybe I should raise his pay!

TIP #2: HAVE YOUR INLAWS VISIT!

John's parents came to visit and help out, and it was so nice to rest on the couch and not have to dishes, etc. etc. They were great and played with the kids and helped around the house. I think the highlight for my kids was the game playing:

Trevan and Mallary just had to take a picture with their sunglasses on...

"The one with the white hair"

I'm lucky enough to have a really great father-in-law. I couldn't have asked for a better Grandpa for my kids. He is so sweet and enjoys being around his grandkids. When Trevan was smaller he called Spencer his Grandpa with the white hair.

Mallary and her Grandpa Hamilton

Anyone that knows Trevan knows that he will play with you to death. Seriously. Morning to night and longer if you'd let him. Spencer has always been so great when he comes to visit. Literally playing with Trevan ALL DAY. You occasionally hear him tell Trevan he is going to go rest, or take a break, but Trevan always talks him into playing longer. It is the cutest thing.

On this particular visit, Trevan and Spencer sat at the table for half the day. I don't think I have ever seen Trevan sit in one place that long in his whole life. They played a lot of our games. Spencer would let Trevan make up the rules to the game they were playing. It was so funny, and adorable.

John's parents have nine children, so you often see Spencer holding more than one grandchild at a time.

Spencer and his grandson that is named after him, and Mallary

Spencer with Trevan and his cousin, Leah

Spencer and Gerri with Trevan and Leah in both pictures above.

Spencer holding Mallary

He helps out with the kids so much when he comes to visit, he deserves all the naps he can take!

Gerri and Spencer with Trevan

I'm really thankful that my husband had such a wonderful example of a father in his life. John is such a great dad, and I know that I can thank his dad for a lot of that. John is willing to help out, and play with his kids, and I know he learned that from watching his great father. John talks about the wheat pancakes his dad always made on weekends, and so it was natural for John to make breakfast on the weekends, because that is what his dad did (and my dad did too, so it was also my expectation).

Thanks Spencer for being such a great father to create another great father, and for being such a wonderful Grandfather! Happy Father's Day! We love you!