On August 7th, we had a family reunion on my side. In 2008, we had our first reunion in over 20 years and it was decided at that time we were going to try and get together every 2 years. We had it in Beresford again this year and it was wonderful to see everyone again! I enjoyed visiting with everyone about history and meeting a few family members for the first time! I have been researching this side of the family for a few years now and slowly but surely I am filling in the pieces! Someday I will get the family tree done I promise! I didn't get any pictures this year! :( I now that is so not like me! I was so busy shooting the breeze that it didn't even cross my mind!

The one picture I did get of my immediate family. It isn't the best picture in the world, but it will have to do! I did get a picture of Jaxon too! He was eating Strawberry fluff and his mommy was making him giggle and giggle...

We stopped in SF and got groceries after the reunion as well. It is completely different shopping with the boys than by myself! We ended up with a lot of things we don't usually get!! When it is two against one, I didn't stand a chance!

The week of the 9th was busy busy busy. Monday night I had my Get Active at the community center. Tuesday night I got my hair cut and colored while Craig and Micah put new shocks on my vehicle. Wednesday was get Get Active again. I don't remember what was going on Thursday night but Friday was the beginning of my vacation! I took Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off to spend with Micah. We had no daycare those days and instead of scrambling to find someone to watch him, I decided to take some much needed mommy and Micah time!

Friday, Micah and I ran to the library for books and movies and then we went to Sioux Falls. We picked up his school supplies for his upcoming preschool days! Yes, I said it, he is starting preschool!! Unbelievable, where have the last 4 years gone? He is really excited about school and he had a great time picking out his school supplies for his brand spanking new Spider man backpack! After getting the supplies I let him decide where we were going to eat. At first he wanted Chicken fries from BK, but quickly changed his mind to Taco's at Taco Bell! We had so much fun visiting over lunch! He sure is growing up right before my eyes.

After lunch we went to the mall. Made a stop at Old Navy, JC Penney, Victoria Secrets and he was done. I mean D.O.N.E. done.. He needed a nap and there was no way we were going to get anywhere without a major melt down, so we headed home. While he napped, Craig mowed and I started getting things lined up for our trip to Lincoln.

Saturday morning we jumped in the car and headed south to Nebraska. Ryan & Brandy + family and us followed each other down. We did have a little trouble find us on the trip. The Nelson boys decided to help the Nebraska Highway Patrol with their monthly quota! The cop passed us then hung in the driving lane behind Ryan until he pulled over. We pulled over to wait for Ryan (or so we thought!). He got out of his car and motioned us up behind him! Pretty sure if we would have kept going he would have come after us. In hindsight, if I bet if we would have looked AT him in his car he was probably pointing us over to the shoulder in the first place but neither of us looked at him! Anyway, both Craig and Ryan got tickets! Opps! At least he was nice enough cut them a little break which saved them each a pretty good chunk of change. Strangely, at the very beginning of our trip, I had a feeling something bad was going to happen on our trip. I can honestly say that when we got pulled over, I was relieved. A speeding ticket is fine and I think it was God's way of slowing us up as he was protecting us. That is my take on the whole situation anyway.

We managed to get to Harlan and Sandy's in time for the kiddos to hang out and stretch their legs. We then went into Lincoln for the guys class(s) reunion. I have talked with many of Craig's classmates for years on the Internet so it was great to finally be able to meet them in person! What a wonderful group of people Craig grew up with! Believe it or not, I had a great time visiting and just socializing with everyone. Micah had a BLAST at the park and he was super duper excited that MEGHAN came!! All week, he was telling me, "Mom, I am going to be soooooo DISAPPOINTED if Meghan doesn't come to the park!" So, when she showed up he was super happy!!! Uncle David and Aunt Diana even came by to say hi! It was really nice to see them too! I love it when we can get to visit with lots of people in one trip!!

Craig on the roof at the folks before we went into Lincoln.

Ryan and Craig cleaning gutters.

Micah was very concerned for their safety as he yelled at both of them and said, "YOU BE CAREFUL UP THERE!"

Ebeni and Micah at Grandma and Grandpa's!

Ebeni with Jake!

The classmates!

Meghan and Micah! I love this picture! Meghan has that look - EWE BOYS! Haa

Michelle and Angie

John and Craig

Brandy, Aunt Diana & Ryan

Craig and Uncle David!

The girls! Brandy, Elijah, Aunt Diana and me!

Sunday morning I woke up to the voices of Micah, Grandma and Brandy having a morning chit chat over coffee (in Micah's case - Milk!). It was heartwarming to hear Micah visiting with his two favorite ladies! It was one of those moments I will remember for ever!

Everyone basically hung out the rest of the morning. Nobody was to ambitious or eager to get home! The kids had fun playing with each other and just having some down time.

The kids being horses and eating their "Hay"

Micah using Grandma's weights to do his exercise! lol

The Nelson Guys! Ryan, Craig and Harlan

Grandma and Grandpa with their grand babes + Jake!

The 4 kiddos

We left after dinner and arrived home around 6:00PM. Micah slept the entire way home!! Sadly I will admit, I slept alot of it too! We were just plain tuckered out!

It was a great weekend and we were so blessed to get the opportunity to see everyone! I hope that we will be able to do it again sooner than later!!!