We’ve had 3 back to back family reunions this summer with the Kirks extended family, the Moores, and the Hawkers. It’s been a lot of fun! Now we’re in the last days of summer break before school starts in 1.5 weeks. Here are some of the highlights from the trips.

First off, every big trip goes better with a big ol’ batch of Muddy Buddies. Sous chef Landon got in the action and helped whip up a fabulous mega batch.

Loaded up to the gills on the drive up to Idaho to drop the kids off before Kathryn and I headed up to the Hairpin Ranch to meet up with the Kirks. On the drive up, we bought a soft car top carrier cause this was ridiculous!

I always love it when these two Geralds get to hang out.

After a lovely peaceful drive, Kathryn and I made it to the Hairpin. We love this place.

First item of business was a sunset ride up to Speen’s Scenic Site. Nailed it.

We enjoyed blasting a whole bunch of clay pigeons.

…and shooting with some of Ben’s gun collection he brought.

Here’s quite a few of the gang that was up there. All told, Kathryn is one of 43 cousins on this side of the family.

Out on an adventure drive on the side by side.

Later, we took the ATVs out for an adventure date and decided to go hike to Peterson Lake. After hiking for a while, my internal odometer signaled we should have been to the lake by now. When I pulled out the map, we realized that we had made a guidance error and forgot to turn left right as you start the hike. Instead, we were lulled away on a lovely other trail going up the wrong drainage. Rather than admit defeat, we decided to go off trail and cut across.

It was quite the adventure we found ourselves on, and we quickly started making analogies to life, the gospel, and repentance as we were bolder hopping and getting turned around and going off track a few different times.

We did eventually make it to the lake, and then back down the real trail back to the ATVs. Kathryn was a great adventure buddy.

After a quick pack, snack, and drive, we were back with the Moores and ready for part 2.

We kicked off the evening with a BBQ, tie dye shirts, kids chasing the drone, and a birthday celebration for Josie.

Cute to see these little cousins all playing together!

And these big cousins got to do some fun activities as well, like horse back riding and volley ball camp!

There was lots of good food.

Family pictures!

Grandma Nancy behind the scenes shot 🙂

Goofy picture

Kevin brought a cotton candy maker which was a big hit with the kids.

The kids all put on a fabulous concert.

Complete with hand written programs.

And a debut performance of a song Dad wrote about Mom and him.

The birthday boy old guy.  The big 7-0.

Dad shared a birthday present with us all, hooking us up with a handgun training course with some pros. Very cool.

Cup-o-dirt

Surrounded with love

Dad teaching the kids that pea seeds don’t sprout into giraffes.

That was a lot of fun! Thanks Mom and Josie for watching the kids so we could go on the Montana trip! After packing, snacking, and driving, we made it home and it was our turn to host. First we had Kevin and Bethany come stay with us for a night. We met up at the Utah Lake State Park and headed out for a lovely boating evening on the lake.

After not skiing for like 8 or 9 years, Kevin popped right up on the slalom ski and did great.

After Kevin and Bethany headed out, Stan and Melanie came through and stayed with us the next night.

All these kids were really cute after church, so we had to grab a picture. And then we all took a break and enjoyed a little home time.

Then we were right back at it again for part 3. This one was a quick weekend get together with Hawker family up at the cabin. This side of the family is growing big too. Lot’s of cousin blue on the log.

All the bothers went out on an electric long board ride (James was taking the picture). It was slightly terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time. It would be a lot of fun to get more into this.

We played lots of fun games and activities.

And ate lots of really great food.

We had a great time hanging out with the Hawker family. Thanks Tim and Suzanne for hosting us all.

One of the perks of super late church is we were able to make it back in time for our own ward. I thought these two were super cute and couldn’t help taking a picture.

And that’s a wrap of the big summer trips on the books! Time to get planning some more I guess. Happy August!