the oldest niece

 The Heywood family came over yesterday for Sunday dinner.

It happened to be cousin Ashley's birthday.

This cute girl turned twenty-four.

HOLY COW!

Where on earth did those years go?

I know all parents say that about their children, but I am the aunt, and I can't believe how fast those years have flown by.

I have a distinct memory of when she was born and Karen brought her home to their little apartment in Tempe.

There she was in her little white onsie pajama outfit laying on the bed.

I just couldn't believe how little she was and that she belonged to Karen.

One of things that I just LOVE about Ashley is her seemingly endless amount of optimism.

She has always been and continues to be a delight to be around.

Here's Mimi making some mini rolls.

She really wanted to help with the rolls, and I was a bit reluctant to let her.

In the end, she ended up with a small ball of dough that she somehow managed to cut and roll into these adorable little bite-sized wonders.

Mimi's smile and happiness remind me a lot of Ashley.

 Quinny cashed in several of her holiday bucks for some My Little Pony paraphernalia.

She is in My Little Pony heaven.

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash are common names around our house.

the annual thomas family reunion

The reunion was short and sweet (Friday evening to Sunday evening).

Robert was in charge this year, and with Eric's help, he did a great job.

They planned a carnival, complete with cotton candy and bobbing for apples.
He brought up a satellite dish, so those that wanted to could watch the ASU football game.
He brought a BBQ grill for easy grilling.
He even brought up a porta potty, so those in our cabin that might need to go in the middle of the night could go without having to hike through the dark woods to get to the bathrooms.
(On behalf of myself and Mimi, thank you for the porta potty.)

The weather was great and the company fantastic.

The kids talk about it and look forward to it for weeks.

It did not disappoint.

Eric loves the football game.

I don't think he's alone.

This year someone brought up some flags.

I'm not sure who it was, but it was a great idea!

 The nature pot kept the little ones entertained for hours!!

Robert kicking off the carnival.

Eric running the ping pong toss.

 I was in charge of the prize table.
I loved it!
It was a very complex system of prizes ranging in cost from 1 to 4 tickets.
I am pretty sure I had more fun picking out the prizes and watching the kids play with them than the kids had!

 Some of the older grandkids and aunts were very nice to help run the booths!

Alyse Larson running the fishing game.

Lucy helping out at the bowling game.

 Jack and Mimi weren't the only ones who enjoyed some delicious cotton candy!

Robyn went around during the carnival and got some great pictures.

Here are a few of the happy kids!

I loved that Spencer kept on the nose and glasses throughout the evening.
I was also diggin' on Isaac's hat!

 Do you like my party hat?

 Hey, I like that party hat!!

 Mia LOVED Christie and Justin's new little baby, Savannah.

These are my two very favorite pictures from the reunion.

Tess with her glasses and headband on and Grandma eating the cotton candy!

Love it!

 Robert's Family:
David, Paul, Robert, Stephen,
Diane, Norene (Grandma Thomas), Patty