Thomas Family Reunion 2013

Every other year, my dad's immediate family and everyone who comes along with them gets together for a little vacation reunion.

This year, we hit up Moab, Utah.

My highlights include:

• Driving and driving and driving.
• Belle hollering "Help!" from the backseat for about two hours straight.
• The sudden disappearance of my children into the arms of the jillion loved ones waiting for us.

• Nana's cinnamon rolls.
• The group of papas heading over to investigate a potentially creepy neighbor.
• Sleepovers with Jamie. In the same bed.  We whispered the night away, just like old times!  Except with two babies on the floor next to us, and more ... mature ... topics.
• Belle waking us up in the morning with a, "Mom!" which Jamie sat up to first.  I then followed.  "Mom?" Belle said again and stared back and forth at each of us, quite confused.
• Dance party with my brothers' guitar skills and my sister's ukulele. Turns out Belen is a top-notch twirler.
• Hearing my uncles hash it out.  Most of which are sarcastic, opinionated, and hilarious ... so it's guaranteed entertainment.  The weird part was realizing that most of us cousins are indeed old enough to try to join in. I don't have the guts ... but others do.

• Discussing the evolution of man with Kolbers.  And watching him roll out the latest and greatest party video games.

• Though I didn't go because of sleepy babies, the frightening family Oo-Aah Lake story was told yet again ... at the actual Oo-Aah Lake.  The horrors, the horrors!
• Beanless tacos.  Oh those Thomas siblings.
• River rafting with the kiddos!  I worried Mac would be too young ... but even he got bored.  Luckily we had the best guide of them all; he made sure we were in the lead the entire time so Mac could "win", kicked us all out of the raft for a good river swim, and dolled out and took plenty of jokes.  All good natured, of course.  Mac loved the rapids.  "Thems trying to get in our boat, silly water!  You stay out there, this is for us!"  He wished there were more.  
• Swimming in 100+ degrees.  California has made me extremely sensitive to extreme weather.

• Seeing Arches National Park ... sort of.  

  

A big thank you to the little family that made this all possible.  Even with a brand new baby.

• Touring the house in the rock, which Belen attempted to tear down.  She and I spent a lot of time outside.
• Jogging with about 10 cousins. I beat Gabe. He was in the lead.  And ... he's 8 years old.

• Catching lizards & climbing red rocks with my siblings.  Plus Michael.  He's quiet the lizard whisperer.

• Saying farewell to everyone ... knowing I would see them again in a couple of weeks for yet another drive.  But for Jamie's wedding! 

The Patriarch himself, Jess McCallister Thomas.  We love you Bumpa!
And beautiful little Grandma Arlene ... you have made a world of difference to him.  Thank you for taking all us crazy Thomas' on.