Way to go, Idaho!

 We said good-bye to Twin Lakes on Lea's birthday (July 29th) and spent the rest of the day in the car. Lea was in tears as we left - she missed her cousins already. Lizzie, Calla, Rachel and Melissa were great friends for her to play with. I missed my family, but Jeff needed to be picked up from the Spokane airport. :)

Stopped at Edna's to get Jeff a milkshake, then on to the airport! The kids were so excited to see Jeff and so was I - he maybe not so much - confined space, lots of noise after living his Bachelor life for a week was a little overwhelming, but he was glad to have us back - he was bored. 

Finally made it to St. Anthony, ID for the Risenmay (extended family) reunion. We went 3 years ago when Abbey was just a newborn - probably 6 weeks old. I was exhausted and my other kids were 2 and 5. Not quite old enough to run around by themselves. This year was different: 8, 5, 3 and 1. I had more energy and Lea was now big enough to help the other two if needed. Which was good, I could NOT keep up! This house is AMAZING! Perfect for all ages and my kids LOVED it! As you can see, so did the grown ups. :) It's called 3 Peaks Lodge - if you're looking for a good place to have a reunion - I'd suggest this place.

The garage was converted to a large play area, complete with slide and chalk board walls, riding toys and a ramp to the bottom floor of the house.

 you can see the ramp to the left in the picture below - doesn't my mother-in-law look thrilled!?! The slide is faster than it looks.

 Abbey!

 Ammon was in heaven!

 He tried very hard to climb up - no such luck.

 Water balloon battleship - gearing up to launch water balloons.

 water-balloon volleyball

 Michael and Lucas

 Anyone up for a swim!? Yeah, me either.

 Abbey threw a GINORMOUS fit outside as I calmly (quite proud of myself) dragged her inside, where after a few moments of crying, I left and came back to this:

 a play place for babies?

 oh yeah babies. :)

 still tired from the nap, not interested in anything.

 Our favorite little cousin Kaibrey - Lea's shadow.

 Ammo and I trying out the slide.

 I have very few if any pictures of Lucas at all. I could barely keep up with that kid. I only found him when it was time to eat or bed time. I saw him occasionally throughout the day as he ran from one slide to the next. There was a twisty slide in another part of the house.

And what family reunion is complete without a talent show:
Orton clan

Pugmires

 Our family talent was recruiting others to sing with us (the two girls on the end are Jeff's cousins - Kim and Jennifer and the youngest sister is playing piano). :) And me who slept through the practice and was ordered by Grandma Riz to 'sing.' Right then - I'll sing.

 Kaibs and Lea

More to come!