Grady Reunion

It's strange to think my family is now at the stage that we have to schedule an official reunion to pull us all together, but with two siblings in Texas and one approaching the time when he'll be leaving to further his schooling who-knows-where, these things have to be official.

I'm really glad we did it.

We started out by flying to Dallas Ft. Worth -- an experience that was a first for Connor and for my sister-in-law Leslie Ann. Remarkably, everyone did extremely well.

Connor and Leslie Ann -- flying newbies.

Derek had a terrible cold/various other illnesses during the trip, hence the surgical mask.

No matter how good they are, the trip eventually gets a little long.

Once we were settled into our respective homes-away-from-home (my family at Karen's, Brian and Leslie Ann and my parents at Kevin's) we had a couple of days of pre-reunion fun.

We visited the Perot Museum of Nature and Science -- a fantastic hands-on experience.

Grandpa Grady showed them his stuff on the drums, then Lydia tried her hand at it.

These two cuties... they were two peas in a pod the whole week.

Lydia's favorite "dance" move. It was so funny because she was standing there doing this move and a bunch of kids came over and started doing it too. It's like they thought that's what you were supposed to do at this portion of the museum. Ah, my daughter, the trend setter.

Relaxing at Kevin and Leslie's house.

While staying at Karen's, Connor had his first bath in the grownup's bathtub. He did great!

Watching Dylan's basketball game with Kate the cheerleader and Lydia.

Let the festivities begin!

On Sunday it was time to travel to the Talako Lodge in Broken Bow, Oklahoma for a week of Grady family fun. The lodge was awesome! Plenty of space for 10 adults and seven children under the age of 7. It had three levels, a fabulous great room, lots of beds, a playground, hot tub, game tables downstairs and a huge wrap around porch. Thanks to Kevin and Leslie for booking something so great.

My view of Connor in the car during the three hour drive to Broken Bow. He is so sweet!

Because it was Father's Day and also Karen's birthday, Sunday evening was a celebration night. Plus, Mom and Dad surprised us with family reunion T-shirts. So fun!

Me and my dad waiting for our pizza at The Grateful Head restaurant.

Derek was thrilled with the IRN BRU soda I had shipped in as part of his Father's Day gift.

Karen opening all her gifts.

Another bath time first: Bathing the kids together. Man, that saves a lot of time!

After enjoying a fabulous rainstorm Sunday night and Monday morning, we ventured out to ride a nearby children's train. Unfortunately, it was closed, so we sought entertainment in a nearby park and caught the train another day.

Kevin, Lisa and Derek

Mom and Dad: The reason this whole crazy family started in the first place :) 

Lydia and Kate -- these two could pass for sisters. Love them!

A Larson family excursion to the visitor center.

Lydia and Grandma

Lisa and Connor

Kate, Lydia and Dylan enjoying one of the many activities Grandma prepared for the grandkids.

All aboard!
On Tuesday we caught the train in the morning. Later in the day we went swimming in the lake. That night after tucking the kids in bed, the girls enjoyed a fun Christmas craft with my mom.

Lydia, Kate, Grandma, Grandpa, Dylan and Colin (in front).

Kate, Lydia and Dylan with Lisa, Leslie Ann and Derek behind.

Leslie Ann and Brian

Connor and Reagan. These two cuties: Exactly 2 weeks apart.

Lydia on the beach at the lake.

The craft turned out super cute.

Riding in style! Grandpa's new van was a hit with the grandkids.

Wednesday on wheels
We spent the bulk of the day Wednesday on some private property where they rent ATVs. Although Derek and I are usually kind of take-it-or-leave-it sort of people on ATV rides, I had a great time blazing a trail with Mike Sharp as my guide. Lydia had her first ride, and so did my Mom and Dad. I couldn't believe all the freedom the place gave us -- basically turning us loose with the four-wheelers. Plus there was a playground for the kids and a small air-conditioned lounge where poor Derek (still quite sick) spent much of the time with Connor.

Since these two were both luke-warm/cold on the idea of ATVs when we were kids, this is a sight I never thought I'd see.

The Sharp Family

Mom and Lisa

Mike, thanks for the ride!

Totally hot and sweaty, but never too hot for a hug.

Lydia's first ATV ride.

Reagan and Connor keeping cool inside.

Derek manning the grill on our night to cook.

I planned a treasure hunt for the kids. Naturally, the treasure had to be "buried" in the most popular vehicle -- Grandpa's "van car."

Colin and Lydia enjoying breakfast

Derek, Connor. Lisa and Lydia Larson

How many people does it take to start a fire with wet wood?
Quite a few but the peanut butter cup s'mores were worth it.

Water fight!

More toys from Grandma

Boating baby!
Friday we rented a boat for half the day and took in the beauty of the lake. Getting to that part was quite a feat, however. If I hadn't witnessed it myself, I don't think I would have believed just how insanely difficult it was to coordinate everyone's boating and childcare needs, all while making it possible for everyone to ski/tube/ride how much they wanted and not leaving any one person with all the childcare responsibilities. In the end it was Leslie Ann who put together a schedule that met everyone's needs and the day went flawlessly.

The schedule.
Yes, it was totally worth a photo -- plus I needed to have it in my phone so I didn't miss my drop off or pick up times.

Kevin and Mike shared most of the driving responsibilities and did a great job.

Loving the swim time!

Sister bonding

Queen of the lake

Lydia's first tube ride!

Derek doing his best to stay out of the sun. Poor guy.

Gearing up for a ride

Mom's first time on a tube. Way to go!

Dad taking his turn at the helm.

Lydia and Colin at the cabin. 

Thanks Dad and Mom for such a wonderful family!