Friday, July 29, 2011

1st Official Dan Hillesheim Reunion

All the sisters...without our make-up.


Grandkids, this was a chore and we still were missing one, my Gracie.


Playing ball. The lilacs were so pretty, smelled sooo good.


Coaches on the sidelines...


Grumpy kids...and everyone wanted to know why I wanted family pics the first day :)


Hula Hoops


This game was hilarious


Cookie time. These girls did pretty good.


On your mark...


Puzzle time...breakfast scramble game.


Jake, I love this boy


A bit Dicey


This was everyone's favorite game


Grandpa wins a medal :)


Natalie looks so focused



Lyla, my sweet niece.


Tha gang


We were out here a lot, especially some of the boys...can you say pyromaniac?


Emilee and Breanna


President and VP


Ema, Lily and Gracie


Wendy , Isabelle and Boston


Brandon, Diana, Ramsi and Raegan


Brooke, Ema and Nela


Apples to Apples...


Badminton with a view


The Ladder game - enjoyed by the kids more than the adults


Crazy people...you can pick your nose but you can't pick your family. Or in this case, you can pick your family's nose.


Want to squish him!


Silly girls...pics are for smiling. See, Daniel knows :)


Daniel, Janica, Madison, Gabe, Jesse, Sophia and Lyla


New best buds. It was the cutest thing ever to watch these two. They never left each other's side.


Ramsi, Ema, Lily and Gracie


Beautiful


There were lilacs and daisies everywhere


Front walk...great view :)


This year I was in charge of putting together our Family Reunion. We had so much fun. Of course, nothing ever goes perfect, but I think we all really enjoyed each other's company. It's easier when you're all staying in the same home, or in this case, Inn. We headed up to Lava Hot Springs and stayed at the Inn at Owl Hollow, located in Bancroft. It was beautiful! We had the entire Inn to ourselves, it was set back into the mountain and had tons of privacy. We just hung out around the fire the first night and got settled. The next day we spent at Lava. The water slides there are crazy! There are quite a few little daredevils in our family. I would never jump off those high dives! The weather was perfect. It was a little windy while a small storm passed, but we never got rained on :) Later that night we played some Minute to Win it games and did s'mores. The best part was just sitting around the fire and visiting. Times like those help me to remember how much I love my family and all of the things I have learned from each one of them. I love my nieces and nephews and can't believe how big our family is getting. I hope that they all know how much I look forward to having us all together. I don't see them as often as I'd like, but I am glad we are close and have good relationships. When it comes right down to it, family is the only thing that matters...and I love mine! Thanks Mom and Dad for everything you are and everything you've done :)

Our Biggest Celebration of the Year

Preparing all the fireworks...the kids were so excited.


Starting with the small stuff


Doesn't look like it, but these are the same fireworks they use in the city celebrations here and we did them in our driveway....so much fun!





Getting ready...


Jake and Gracie love having their pictures taken :)


Happy Birthday Dad


38 years old...


Words to live by....according to Delon :)


Logan fireworks


Gracie with her glow stick


Glow necklace...used for everything BUT a necklace.



We always love a good party, and on the July 4th weekend we have a lot to celebrate. Other than the patriotic holiday, it is also Delon's Birthday. This year we went BIG....with the fireworks, that is.

The weekend started off with an early morning run...I finally have Delon running with me again :) Then we went to the Lewiston 4th of July Parade. The kids got tons of candy. We know this is the only reason they go. After working a little in the yard, we gave Delon his gifts, had cake (chocolate with chocolate) and ice cream, and then we put on our own firework show. I hate to say this, but because there were almost no restrictions on fireworks this year, we went BIG...almost showed up Lewiston city in our own front yard. It's quite the experience being right under those things when they go off. It was the first time I've enjoyed watching fireworks since being at Turtle Bay in Oahu....and I was 16. So according to Delon, this is a new tradition, a bit of a costly one, but one nonetheless.

The friday before we attended the fireworks done at the Aggie Stadium, it's always fun, but there are too many people.

I'm so glad to live in a place where we can be happy, where we have the freedoms to be who we are. I'm also grateful to those who serve and protect us. God Bless America :)

Sunsets



Pretty amazing, huh?





These are the sunsets I see almost every evening....I LOVE it, right from my back patio :)
By the way, thanks Dad for showing me the beauty in simple things.