Random Reunion Pics

The last day my mother finally insisted on a picture of all the grand-babies together. At first there was chaos and many toddlers refusing to stay in the picture. And then she bribed them with getting to pick a toy from the "grandma box" and tadaa! you see the results Even Isaac stayed for the picture.
L to R (back) Ethan, Nathan, Madeline with Joseph, Ian, Noah with Evan
(front) Isaac, Robert, Claire, and Ammon
We wised up after the first 2 days and moved a coffee table outside and let the kids eat out there together. Peace and quiet (at least inside) and we let the squirrels, birds, and mice do most of the cleanup!

Ethan and Isaac were in high heaven with so many cousins but overjoyed when their dad showed up.

The "grandma box" is a tradition my mom started a few years back. All year long she collects toys from the dollar store and brings them to the reunion. Each night they get to pick out another little toy. To be fair of course she switches around who goes first but we love it because then we don't have to bring so many toys ourselves and keep track of them. She lays all the toys out on a big table and lets them pick in groups.

The last day after most everyone else had left to drive back, we discovered a state park not 5 minutes from the house complete with sandy beaches, a rather cold lake for swimming, picnic tables, clean bathrooms, a playground, climbing rocks, and even wireless internet! It was a great find which has inspired my mom to promise a repeat trip in a few years.