More fun at the reunion

I love that my kids are okay coloring or doing a craft. They love to be creative and just sit while they let their hands create! This craft was to go along with the movie Coco so we decorated death masks. Each one was very unique.

Monique even set up our ancestors so they could be remembered.

We had fun with ice cream cones again this year.

It could be called a tradition.

All the chocolate and caramel sauce and whipped cream.

What a mess!

What? Someone took a picture of me!

That's crazy! That's unheard of!

Thank you.

I was seeing if my camera would work to take the big family picture.

With the telephoto lens it was just too challenging,

but I do like what I captured!

Another day at the lake

I could still use my camera body so I started taking pictures with my telephoto lens. That just meant I had to be farther away from my subjects. Oh well. Good thing everyone here has a smart phone with a camera so they can help capture moments that I miss.

They were having so much fun together!

Love the cousin love!

Scripture moment by Nathan P.

Always enjoy the treats at the end of the day.

Monique does a wonderful job with all the themes and dinners and desserts. I hope she knows how much fun she makes the reunions! It really is a treat to be together and to have so much fun!

First Full Day of the Payne Family Reunion

We were able to have our family reunion at Serendipity on Grand Lake in Oklahoma again this year. They gave us Monday free so we all arrived on July 23, which meant the first full day was Todd's birthday. What a great way to start a vacation!

As per the norm, the main attraction is the lake. The kids were quick to get the activities going and so I was there to capture some of their adventures.

Emily had fun with Naomi - who was being so brave.

The boys needed to empty the kayak.

Crazy Kemiah decided to try some new tricks.

Fishing is always a fun activity!

Naomi enjoyed being on the carpet with the others.

She copied Tinlee, who started to kick her legs in the water.

Unfortunately, I shouldn't have let he get so far out on her own. The floaties I had her in are not the best for those who don't know how to swim. I don't know why I let her go. No one was near her and she started to try to come back to the dock on her own. I was too quick and jumped in to get to her - with my camera on my back and my phone in my pocket. I should have handed the camera to Taylor who was right there.... Ack! I saved the child, which was very important but I could have spared a minute or two because she wasn't drowning yet, just struggling. Anyway, the lens was ruined and didn't recover but the camera body seems fine. So much for taking pictures this reunion.

Time with Grammy

Gaffa was there too, but wasn't in these pictures. One of the favorite things to do while at their house is to eat on the deck. It's like being in a tree house and it truly is fabulous (if it's not too humid). I put in both pictures because I'm not a photo-shopper. You'll have to take Emily from the first picture and put replace her in the second picture. Ben will never look at the camera so I can't do much about that.

The littles were enjoying some swinging time with Grammy.

What a treat!

I know these pictures of RoseMarie are not in focus but she is still so cute!

And I couldn't possibly leave her out of the memories!