More Family Time in Vegas

As I previously promised, I have tons more pictures to share from our family reunion for Gma's Birthday.  Sunday of Memorial weekend turned out to be a beautiful day to spend by the pool.  Luckily, the annoying winds stayed away and the day was just about perfect.  We were staying at a family-friendly Marriott off the strip so we had plenty of space to hang with our party of just under 20.   

The last time our entire family was together for a vacation was almost 8 years ago when we were in Hawaii celebrating our Grandparents 50th anniversary.  It also happened to be the vacation where Pat and I met.  It has definitely been too long for our entire family to get together.  Hopefully it won't be 8 more years when it happens again.  

We love hanging together at the pool and I took a good 150 - 200 pics in the matter of a couple of hours; I enjoyed every moment of it.  It is definitely difficult to pick out a few to share, so I have included just a bit more than that.   

My beautiful cousin Jacque and her son Owen.

 My too far away Austin, Texas cousin, Corrie with Hunter

Danny, finally in Vegas trying to get Aydan's ice cream. 

Aydan "posing" for the camera while Danny plays with Owen in the background 

Owen and Hunter hanging out.  Hunter wanted what Owen had of course, and then they would switch...aww the attention span of a baby.

 Gramma snuggling with Kalea, Aydan looking on in the back.

 The proud daddy Keith with Hunter

 Corrie giving kisses to those kissable cheeks

 I am sure Owen is telling Gma something very important!  Uncle David is a very good Grandpa "P-pa"

 Grandma Linda with her Grandson Hunter (My Aunt)

Aydan holding a flower in one hand and a monkey in the other...She came up to me saying "no more monkeys jumping on the bed" 

 I had a better shot lighting wise of these two, but I wanted to include this one to show how goofy my Uncle David is.  He kept dropping in my pics when ever he could.  Keith and Jacque exchanged hats and both looked great!

 Grampa enjoying some Kalea smiles!

 We had to get a quick pic of us in 

 Our family set-up.  Almost everyone can be seen in this picture.  I think me, Pat, my Dad, Sara, and Kalea are the only ones not seen from this vantage point.  Poor John was at work during this fun!

 I caught a great one of Aydan while she tried on her moms hat.  

 This next one is probably one of my favorites.  Jacque is so photogenic and Aydan so adorable, I had quite a few good ones of the two of them.

 We tried to get a good shot of Kalea with Hunter, but Hunter was getting a bit grumpy.  Close enough I guess!

We are so lucky to have the wonderful family we do.  I hope we can figure out how to spend more days all together pool side!  I still have one more post about the weekend, mostly just to share more pics from the last day.

Going For a Swim

In the middle of a family trip to Las Vegas, we had the opportunity to introduce Kalea to the pool for the first time.  She has so far loved bath time so we were hoping that would translate into loving the pool.  For some reason, Pat and I didn't think about bringing a swim suit to Vegas over Memorial Day weekend...I know it was crazy thinking.  Too bad, since that meant that I had to go shopping!  Luckily I found Kalea an adorable new bathing suit to add to the two she already has at home.  Pat ended up with a great new suit as well ($20!)

Now that we were all prepared, it was time for the water.  First, we took a quick family shot before hand...

 Then it was time to test the waters.  We were a bit weary of how she would react since the water was a bit chilly on an unusually cooler weekend in Vegas.

 She seemed to love it, at least she didn't scream like she hated it.  

So we went in a little further, and still just as happy as can be. 

 Happy family!!!

 She was totally relaxed and only fussing if we took her out of the water.

Hanging out on the step before it was time to get out. 

All wrapped up  and time to snuggle with Mommy!  It was a huge success for her first time in the water.  We are very much looking forward to spending some hot summer days at the pool both at our house and at Gramma and Grampa's house.

A Surprise Birthday Celebration

Over Memorial Day Weekend our family made a trip up to Las Vegas.  What would normally be a Girls Weekend turned into a mini-family reunion for my Moms side of the family.  Gma had a big birthday to celebrate!  My mom and her sisters tried to keep up the ruse of a girls weekend when in fact we had the entire family in town to celebrate.  Luckily despite a few slip-ups, Gma was completely surprised when every one just happened to be waiting for her.  

As she comes to the back of the restaurant, the ones that are not supposed to be there hide from view.

 The room we were in had low lighting so unfortunately I couldn't get a clear shot with my flash off...at least you could tell she is surprised!

 Hugging all of the Heurkins crowd from Austin.

 Here is a shot with the flash...don't like it as much, but it is all I have!

 After lunch, we went upstairs to hang out with everyone and take some pictures.  My brother had to go back to work, my cousin Danny was still working and wouldn't arrive until the next day, and my cousin Jere is deployed overseas keeping us safe.  Luckily every one else was able to make it.

Here are the Grandkids who have kids.  All four of Gmas Great Grandkids in one spot!  This isn't going to happen too often unfortunately.  We took a bunch of pics and of course with 4 little ones, it was difficult to get every one looking.

From left to right we have Aydan (2 1/2), Owen (10 months), Kalea (5 months), and Hunter (7 months).  My cousin Jacque and Corrie are the other proud mommas.

 With the babies born in 2011!  

 All of the Grandkids and Great Grandkids present at the time...missing John, Jere, and Danny!  Lots of girls in this family =)

 Mr. Owen playing with his Uncle Keith's hat

 Hunter flirting with the camera

Kalea looking so intently 

Such a proud Great Gma!!!  We love you!!!

More pics to come from our pool time the following day.