Reunion

We made it back safely last night from Elijah's family reunion. I thought I got more pictures than I did, I'm not sure what happened. Probably fatigue. We are all still very tired and not feeling well. I think a lot of it had to do with all of the environmental things we were exposed to while there. I swear there were at least 10 dogs in the house, plus the 6-8 yard dogs of Grandpa's, plus all the dogs that belong to people coming up for the reunion. All in all there had to be over 20 dogs running around. Plus the bonfire caused a lot of smoke (since Grandpa's idea of 'taking out the trash' is dumping it on the fire, there was a LOT of smoke), and a good half of the people there are chain smokers. Also add in the trees and grass that Benjamin is already allergic to, and you have a couple of sick kids, and me!! We are starting to feel better being back home. Hopefully we'll be better by Wednesday when we host playgroup. I'm glad Benjamin's out of school this week. It gives him extra time to rest.

It was fun being able to sit and talk with everyone again. It's taken me about 8 or 9 years to get really adjusted to Elijah's family and feel comfortable just sitting down anywhere and joining the conversation. There are usually over 100 people there, but this year several families couldn't make it so there were only around 75-80. The kids are getting better about letting strangers we call their uncles and aunts and cousins hug and kiss on them. It helps that no matter who they ask for food, it's given to them. I have no idea how many pancakes Avery ate for her 2nd breakfast yesterday morning. I know that she had a lot!!

Here are some of the pictures I took, when everyone starts posting theirs online I'll probably go swipe some and post them here:

Avery got to help Granny bake a cake for all the February birthdays in the family. There are at least 12 people with birthdays within a week of each other. They let her have the first piece since she helped make it, and since she wouldn't stop asking any and every person that walked by to get her some!! She really, really enjoyed it. I wish I had gotten a picture of the cake, but maybe someone else did and I can swipe it.