Uncle Bill's Houseful of Relatives

The weekend after our quick trip to Colorado for Stake Conference, Dave and Grandpa McClure came to visit!  Grandpa's Aunt Shirley had passed away, and her memorial service was being held in Blackfoot.  We decided at the very last minute to go with Grandpa to Firth to meet our extended family and see Aunt Janice, Uncle Mike, and Aunt Annette who had driven up for the service.   I was quite woozy and in pain during the drive because of the neck/head pain I'd been experiencing for weeks after a running injury (or something), so we stopped at a Wendy's to grab some lunch.  Once I had a break from the car and some Sprite in my system, I was feeling much better!

 

We arrived at Uncle Bill's just before everyone was leaving for the memorial service.  We decided to stay behind at Uncle Bill's and let the kids play in the yard (and watch the food that was cooking for the luncheon), knowing that our kids wouldn't appreciate having to hold still even longer.  I think Uncle Bill's backyard is one of the kids' favorite places.  They were totally content to swing, play in the dollhouse, and pose for pictures while we waited for everyone to come back.  Dave and I enjoyed a couple of hours to just be together and talk while we played with the kids.  It was nice, to say the least.

 

This trip everyone was excited about the great climbing tree.

They thought that little tiny vine Emma is holding on to might be similar to Tarzan's!  I'm glad they didn't try it out!

Joely had the biggest laughs and smiles going on while she was swinging in the baby swing.  It was hilarious.

The flowers were tall and beautiful, just like Emma.

Carson's turn in the tree.

Some of the flowers were taller than Joely!

Dave says he looks like he has gorilla arms, but I think it's just nice to get a picture of us together.

Once the aunts and uncles came home from the service, I convinced them to head outside for sibling pictures.  They look so nice!

Aunt Janice was about to become a grandma. . . she'll be AMAZING! My kids sure love her.

Uncle Bill, Uncle Mike, Aunt Janice, Dad



What amazing people they all are.  So glad they're my relatives!  And look. . .my dad is definitely the tallest of the bunch! :)

Look-alike Winkers

Cousins -- My aunt and uncles with Jacque and Stephen (who are Aunt Shirley's kids) and Rick (who is Uncle Max's son, I think)

Listening to Uncle Bill's stories from family history -- everyone thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling.

A picture of my Great-Grandpa Larsen and his beloved dog.  Both were mad because the photographer kicked the dog while trying to get them posed.

Love them.

Playing in the front yard while saying goodbye to all the extended family.  Look at those grass stains. . .he's had an active and fun day!

This girl's got me wrapped around her little finger. . .at least when she smiles like that!

We had a great time.  I especially loved hearing the stories of my Larsen great-grandparents.  It was totally worth the drive to be there with everyone and meet some of my more distant relatives.  Thanks to Uncle Bill for letting us crash the party and to Grandpa McClure for encouraging us to go.  And thanks to Dave for being willing to spend his one day at home being away from home and in the middle of a family reunion.