Our Family at the Beach!

Family Pictures at the Beach

More Beach Reunion Pictures

Family Reunion in Myrtle Beach

We had a great week at the beach this last week. We had a family reunion at Myrtle Beach, SC. My dad rented a fabulous beach house with 12 rooms and three floors! It was so comfortable for everyone and we were right on the beach! My sisters' families came and at one point, I think we had 30 or so people there. Saturday afternoon we settled in and got acquainted. Tracy's family missed their flight due to car trouble but were able to come in on Sunday. Carl went back to Raliegh to pick them up and they joined us that evening. We had a family tree that we all put our apple with our info on. Monday evening we had family home evening and played a trivia game about my Dad. It was a great way for everyone to get to learn more about him and his life. Each family took turns preparing the evening meal for everyone. Our turn was Tuesday so most of our day was spent shopping and preparing but then we got to enjoy the rest of the week. We each contributed to the food for breakfast and lunch. We went out to dinner for seafood on Wednesday and celebrated Erin's 23rd Birthday. We enjoyed the beach all week with great weather. Really! It was nice everyday! All in all it was a very memorable week for all of us. Four of our six kids families were there. Ben and Shanae were waiting for a baby and Kim and her family made a trip earlier that limited their travel plans for the summer. We missed them but talked to them often throughout the week.

4th of July

Happy 4th of July to all! We had an early and long day. Our ward had our annual 4th of July breakfast and since Carl is in the Bishopric he got to help cook! Whoa! Yeah, I said "cook". As you can see from the picture it was mostly crack the eggs and help the other guys. It was a great breakfast though - wheat pancakes, eggs, sausage, blueberries, grapes and canteloupe. Are you hungry yet! Well that took up most of the morning. Carl, you know, is not an early riser generally so he took a long nap when we got home while I pittled around and got things ready for the family cookout.

Erin, Tony and Liam and Kim, Sam and Ethan came over in the afternoon for a swim and some good food. I forgot about taking pictures until Kim and Sam left so I only have pictures of Erin and Tony. One of these days I will get my act together. Carl did help cook though. He made a dutch oven cherry crisp which was excellent - a bit toasty on top but realy good with ice cream. He also cooked the burgers and brats. We had a nice time together. Doug got home from work in time for a quick swim before dinner. Grandma even dressed and joined the family for a visit and dinner! Erin and Tony stayed long enough to go watch the fireworks which were very cool. Carl spent time after dinner uploading more music to itunes for his ITouch - the new Father's Day toy!