More Cowbell, or family vacation, as it were.

It's been lots and lots of years since we have had a family reunion of my parents and siblings.  It was well overdue! I have never been to Bear Lake - the whole family gasped as we came around the bend to see the turquoise water of this huge lake in the mountains.  It is gorgeous and we knew it would be a good time.  Especially when we walked in and I saw my Dad's first sign.  We had family signs on our doors, a designated place for shoes and cups - I am my father's daughter for sure.

One evening we had a family talent show - well thought out and organized by a sister, there were no spontaneous numbers, meaning it was a reasonable and enjoyable amount of time :)
I especially liked the part where Hazel and Stella were supposed to sing their duet, a song that Hazel had been practicing non-stop all week.  Then she buried her head in my shoulder and cried in terrified silence as Stella and I sang together.  Stella sounded adorable.  I sounded like I didn't know the song, which I didn't.

Haley and Abby sang a duet that was adorable though my family could work on their stage presence a little.  They are total hams at home but get all stiff and shy in front of a group.  They sang a song called Mind Your Own Biscuits that was cute and lovely.

Mo came prepared for the week with a myriad of craft projects.  Everyday there was something else going on at the kitchen table.  One night it was just the adult women cutting and gluing and chatting.  I loved it.  I am also my mother's daughter.  Imagine that.

We explored and played and romped.  The weather got really chilly for one day but it was so gorgeous and not Houston summer that we thoroughly enjoyed it.

I opted out of a nature hike one afternoon but sent Hazel with my camera - she came home with a lot of pictures taken at knee level but all in all I was impressed with her photography skills.

 and even enjoyed her selfies...

I was the resident braider/hair doer for beach day.  I like doing hair.  Not my own so much.  But I like doing hair.

We spent a full day down at the beach, taking turns on the tube, boat and canoe.  It was perfectly wonderful.

We found ourselves spontaneously making requests for things we knew may or may not work out.  For instance, upon finishing the final clean up and walking out the door, someone yelled "all the grandkids on the stairs!" I don't understand why its so hard for 27 kids ranging in age from 1 to 16 to sit still and look happy for two seconds.  It's a mystery.
Little brother also took on the task of getting family pictures and one huge group shot.  Considering the fact that the only time this was possible was at the end of our long day on the beach, I think he did a pretty darn good job.
I love this beautiful family of mine.