Memorial Day Weekend in AZ

We managed to have a week-long family reunion in Arizona (except we missed you, Pat and Lynette!). There were a couple different events going on, one of which was the baby blessing for Ryan and Emily's little Charlotte (~2 months at the time). We were lucky that Pawn's Bishop allowed them to bless Charlotte in her ward.

 Look at those chunky cheeks! *pinch pinch pinch!*

 My mom arrived to the States for her annual visit, starting in Arizona, so that worked out perfectly for all of us to meet up and see her again. It's been a whole year without her!

On Memorial Day, Emily's brother invited us to their home for a scrumptious BBQ and pool day.

 The little ones couldn't get enough watermelon

Aiyana, Kylana, Ethan, Brax, & Addie

 I don't know why little kids eating watermelon is so dang cute!

 Such cuteness in that smile

 We're seeing a little more of a "Mullin" in Charlotte. This is her cousin on Emily's side. We think they look a lot alike -- at least in the eyes or something!

 Aiya's second time at the pool. She loves the water and even lets me dunk her real quick without crying. Startled, her eyes open wide as can be, and she flutters those beautiful blues rapidly as she tries to figure out what just happened! But she's just fine. I want to keep up the dunking so she doesn't grow up afraid of swimming.

 Ryan can hold Addie AND balance a ball on his head . . . just kidding. 

 Look at that grin! Christian gives the best hugs, back-scratches and massages! He offered them to us multiple times, kneading the knots in our backs with his little thumbs and knuckles. Can I rent you for a day?

 All of the cousins, except Ethan and Charlotte, I think.

We were so glad Jen could join us from Oklahoma and were even more excited to find out that Rusty received a promotion to Facilities Manager in Fallon, NV! Now we get to have more frequent reunions. Yipee!

Back at the house, the cousins had so much fun playing together, with Shelbi leading the pack with the little girls in her room. We were pretty sure they were getting into all sorts of fun and mischief (such as when Emily caught Shelbi just about to paint their toe nails in her bedroom, with a plea to "please don't tell my mom!").

One of the other main events that brought us to Arizona was attending our cousin, Kelly Rock's, wedding in Mesa. I loved everything their Sealer said. That's why attending sealings is so important -- to remind us of wisdom and advice that the newly weds certainly won't remember but that we need to hear!

 What a little princess

I adore this photo!

Next stop with the whole gang . . . LAS VEGAS!

(To be continued . . .)