July 2016: Family Reunion, A Hike and a Trip to Cody

There's a great hike outside of Red Lodge called "Lake Fork". It's easy, and there are plenty of beautiful resting spots, and despite the encouragement to carry bear spray, we obviously scared them off first with our exuberant group.

The trail is nice and shady and there's a river to the side.

Makayla, checking out some treasure of nature plucked from the path.

The inevitable owie and owie gawkers.

Some of the youngsters stopping for a round of "King of the Hill".

Some resters, posing as scenery enjoyers.

Does this look comfortable to you? It seems Hannah found it perfectly restful.

I'm pretty sure Hannah's head is going to fall right off.

I'm glad at least one of my grandkids has the sense to support her head.

Hudson's first hike.

Grandpa and Granddaughter

Myla carrying a big stick to keep Krew in line.

The Indian Paintbrush is in full bloom right now.

Why do boys love

to throw rocks?

Why do girls love to find heart-shaped rocks

and ladybugs?

Someday I'd love to hike all the way to Lost Lake, but it's too far with short little legs,

and all of the baby packers.

I picked up some Costco markers and coloring books,

which kept everyone busy

especially Makayla and her concentration tongue,

during the quiet times.

After the kids were in bed, we played this hilarious game.

called "BeanBoozled".  

You spin and the spinner tells you what color of jellybean to eat.

Every color has two identical beans, one good and one hideous.

You might get skunk flavored or grape.

You don't know until you bite into it. I laughed so hard I could hardly move the next day.

It was pretty disappointing when someone picked the "good" option.

Looks like Megan got tutti futti instead of vomit. What a shame.

Thanks to my goofy brilliant daughter Jessica for bringing such a disgusting brilliant game.  

I can still taste "diaper wipes". It's not a pleasant taste.

Some people had the sense to play safer games.

We had a picnic lunch in Red Lodge one day.

Hudson is already surrounded by female admirers.

Cute cousins.

Koen was entertaining all of us by running down the slope like he was an Olympic sprinter.

You can see that the male cousins get plenty of affection.  They're pretty scarce in our group.

This terrifying picture is what happens when there's a breeze during my bday party.
Someone find me a hat!

If you can't find something you love to eat, I can't help you. 

And yes, of course there was ice cream. You can see evidence on Koen's chin.

And at his feet.

More cousin love.

Looks like there's a hair party for the girls.

Shelly did  some advance work to find new and fun things to do. On one day we headed to Cody, Wyoming area, roughly an hour away.

Our first stop was Buffalo Bill Reservoir, 

where we got an education on the making of a dam. Yep, Stan jumped right in with all of his dam jokes. I'm just thankful his dam partner in crime,  Bob C. Trash was not there to help him.

I think some people's favorite part was the cold air vent that blew their hair back.

I love these two little buddies!

Checking out the dam.

Great idea, Shelly!

Thanks for suggesting it!

Next we went to the Buffalo Bill Museum.

Checking out the tepee in front of the museum.

This is an enormous, excellent museum.

There is an amazing variety of things to see.

Picture from here.

Hailey demonstrating how to itch your face with your hind leg, moose-style.

Picture from here.

Sadly, my camera and/or computer lost all of the pictures I took and I borrowed these pictures. It was a perfect place to visit, thank you Shelly!

Picture from here.

Sadly, we forgot to take the three baby picture before Kenison took off.

Here's the last three babies- Hannah, Nora, and Koen, now cute little two year olds.

Two-thirds of the newest three babies--Leta and Hudson.

We had a great time! I'm looking forward to the next reunion!

A few final random pictures: The oldest grandchild (Kailyn) and the current youngest (Leta).

S'more lover.

 Couch cousins.