Walton Family Reunion

This fourth of July was not just awesome because it is the day after my birthday (and of course is the nation's b-day), but because Riverton was overrun with the whole Walton clan! Wasn't that so nice of them to come just for my birthday hehehehe:)? This 4th really did rock with great family, great food, and great festivities!

We started off the festivities going to a parade. Marshall was so excited to see the fire engine. And, lets be honest, thats all there really was in the parade :)

We went to the lake on Friday-

On Saturday we took family pictures-

Marshall is so not big on taking pictures nor being told what to wear so we bribed him with a new Cars 2 car. He smiled big and was a great cooperator. Bribes are not ALL bad! To get him to wear the grey shirt and jeans we told him that he got to match baby Tyler. Marshall loves baby Tyler and was very willing after that.

Sharing a cup of water after pictures-

After pictures we headed to sinks canyon for a barbeque. Grandma and Grandpa bought matching M&M shirts for all the grandkids but, sadly, we never got a picture with all seven. At one point the three oldest sat on a rock and we told them to pose for a picture and this is what we got:

Marshall smiled handsomely in the first and Megan and Kenzie pulled funny faces. The next pic they are teaching him how to do it and the third hes got it down. Gotta love the cousin influence! Look at the picture following and you will see where these silly girls get their charisma (yes that pretty lady with her fingers in her mouth doing the silly face is their mother :))

Feeding the fish bread-

Marshall with cousin courtney-

Uncle Parker and Aunt Heidi with Megan, Kenzie, Tyler, Marshall, and Elise-

Then bring on the fireworks! A doctor in Lander always does an extraordinary firework presentation every 4th of July holiday (this fell on the 2nd) and it was fun to go as a family. My kiddos strongly dislike fireworks and we lasted all of 3-4 kabooms.

on our way to fireworks-

Sunday was my birthday and we went to church to the student branch with Dad Walton. It was testimony meeting and it was really neat to be in that reverent setting. I don't think all the students were used to so much noise- made mostly by my sweet ones. :) Derek spoiled me as usual and I love him for it.

Monday we did crafts and hair. Well, Sandy did hair and I got highlights! Very fun for me.

Highlights:

*smores on new BQ pit

*Family sharing talents-Sandy the hairdresser doing my hair, Ryan the chiropractor adjusting my back, Jeri teaching me jewelry making, Holly showing me how to make bows

*long talk with Sandy

*making Elise 4th of July dress

*kids running around at sinks canyon bbq

*ALL birthday happiness- breakfast, balloons, decorations, happy wishes, presents

*watching Marshall playing really well with his cousins and loving every minute

*playing games, particularly low scrub

*watching Elise and Tyler interact (birthdays only 4 days apart)

Fun was had by all. I am one lucky ducky to have such a rockin Walton Family!