The Leach Family Reunion

I'd like to say we had "the whole" family together again, after way too long; but, I was happy to take "almost the whole family" (unfortunately, just minus my sister, Laurie, who was busy studying for finals back in Alabama instead :(. We love & miss you Laurie....hope you know that!). And we were missing Dylan too, since he happened to be at Millhollow Camp this night. If you don't know our family, well then, you should! This is one great group I tell ya! I think if I was to summarize my family as a whole, I would tell you they are the most genuine, caring, loving, kindest people around. That says a lot to our Mom & Dad for raising us to understand the importance of those qualities! We've certainly given them many obstacles to jump over the years. It's nice to know, despite all the madness 8 crazy kids can bring, they can look back & know they've done well, and survived ! :} Exactly how they did it will remain a mystery. But, I always say it helps to just naturally be a little crazy anyway! Ha Ha :}. We didn't know it would be quite the reunion it was. What we did know was that Steve & Kerri were coming to town, and we were very excited to spend some quality time with them! Then, (and I quote my little sister, Jen, "in pure Larsen style") Jen & her family decided last minute they should take a road trip back to Utah before school started again. She called mom & let her know they would be leaving Kentucky Wednesday evening. Mom says, "Can you be here by Thursday? Shauna & Doug are having a Family BBQ at their house". So, what do they do? They leave Wednesday morning instead & drive 1600 miles straight (and with 4 kids between the ages of 3-9 at that!). And they made it! It was hilarious, with  Glenn not knowing they were there, to walk in & wonder "who is this guy who looks a lot like Keith from the back?" Ha Ha, fooled him! Of course we love all time with our family, and cute nieces & nephews; but, particularly love getting whatever time we can from those who live out of town & that we don't get to see as often as we'd like. We know it's hard for them just the same. We hope they know how much we love & miss them, and think of them often!! We are so grateful they could all make the effort to be here, it really means a lot to us!

Steve showing us his new talent of making root beer (and also dinner cooked from a milk can!)

Of course, with our family together, it was a night full of fun & plenty of laughs.

Steve hasn't changed a bit with his silly antics! I remember many times growing up, him jumping in people's pictures. And I believe he was the originator of the "self pose" that you see so many people do now a days :}

We thought we'd recreate the pyramid that we did at the cabin last year :}

My awesome family

This is more like us :}

We got to get in a breakfast together before Steve & Kerri headed out

Glad to see Grandma was wide awake this time! :} (Poor thing, she's such a trooper...she was very tired that night at our house, and kept falling in & out of sleep!)

Have I told you how much I love my family?!!!

Summer Fun 2010

First of all, I'm in complete denial that we only have a couple of weeks left of summer, before the kids go back to school. Seriously, where has it gone?!  I'm not going to lie, it's been a crazy few months, many pros & cons; but, when it comes down to it...it's al about the memories created along the way, and what you make of life & your relationships. Fortunately, we're amongst the best support group one could ask for. We're just one big huge happy family! And what's better, in Utah, than spending a day up in our beautiful mountains?! So the family decided to head up Millcreek Canyon to enjoy a nice summer afternoon together. Of course it was a fun time because we ALWAYS have a fun time together! :}

Of course the kids always love getting together. As we continue to watch them grow, we see the bonds they share, grow as well. We not only appreciate our own friendships; but, know we've created more friendships to last a lifetime. Lucky them! :}

The Dylan's (or Dillan's). However you spell it, we know which one is "The Villain" here. I think the picture says it all! :}

Me & My Man

Just givin' some love to our fellow sisters!

Tracy's Brandon, who is looking forward to a big adventure living in Australia for a year with his dad. We're going to miss him! But, glad he gets such a fabulous experience just the same! 

"The Twins", Bailey & Kaley (who was otherwise known as "Pinkalicious" this day, after one of her favorite books! :})

We thought it would be fun to share a round of our new favorite game: Left, Right, Center. 

A game entertaining for all ages (though since they got their one's they were playing with from mom and/or dad's wallet, shouldn't mom or dad get the winnings if they win? :})

Cute little Maddy had to sit in too :}

Pinkalicious must have had lots of pink cupcakes, even her hair turned pink! No more pink cupcakes for you young lady! :}

Dylan was on a roll...and enjoying having cash in his hands! It came down to him & Nakia for the winner of the pot. Which, with 19 people playing, makes for $57...not bad! :}

Silly Dylan! The excitement of possibly winning was too intense! (oh I love his cute smile/laugh! :})

And the winner is.......

Chris & her girls. It was especially good to all be with their family at this challenging time. We know that our extended family time is so important for them, and us, in getting through this rough bump in the road!

C-Hawk & B-Dawg, best friends since birth! :}

The kids are always good at keeping themselves entertained!

The boys were determined to hike up that big hill. 

That was quite a hike for them!

And then they had to go one more time!

And wonderful memories is exactly what we created, just as we planned! :}

Celebration of Father's Day & 18 years together!

Meanwhile, besides all the happenings of Mexico, there was plenty else going on back at home & summer was in full swing. I got home in time to celebrate Father's Day & our 18th Wedding Anniversary (Wow, 18 years...that's crazy!). We thought a fun day at the pool would be a good place to enjoy it. Dylan here is getting much more daring in his diving board antics, now that he is doing flips off the high dive. The only thing that surprises me about this, knowing Dylan, that he didn't try this when he was 5 years old! :} 

Also, to no surprise, Kaley had to give us a dance performance as part of the celebration. She was excited to make up a new routine using her new maracas I brought home (and of course, to be able to wear her new dress I got her as well! })

She was very excited to give Daddy her present she made him at school & has been "hanging on to without him seeing!"  

She sure loves her Daddy!!

Good to be back home with my cute family...I missed them!