Steel Reunion ~ Day 3

Everyone had had way so much sun Friday that only the kids were interested in hanging out at the lake again. Most boys wore t-shirts to protect them a little better. 

Adam wants to be like Carson in every way. He wanted me to make his hair stand up like Carson's. Such cute boys!

Saturday we went to a demolition derby. There weren't many cars that entered but it was still fun to watch. 

Before we totally lost the sun we did pictures. I should have pulled out my camera. These pictures from my phone didn't turn out very well. 

We all had so much fun! I hope someone else offers to do the next reunion in two years. 

Bailee asked McKinzie to put aloe on her back. Crazy girls!! I think they needed a little more privacy. 

birthday boy

Dad is 75 today. I've been thinking about him a lot lately. 

This picture was taken at Crater Lake National  Park, the summer he turned 72. He went on this trip the summer before he passed with Waynette and Randall, and their spouses. He loved this trip and talked about the beauty of this place a lot. 

A couple weeks ago, when we were working on the wood floors, Brian had reddish sawdust all over his arms. His arms looked exactly like Dads freckles. It made me smile. I miss him. It surprises me he's been gone less than three years. It seems longer than that. 

I made his second favorite cake today. His favorite is a chocolate cake with a prune filling. No chance I was making that! This cake is a sour cream cake with a caramel frosting. It reminded me of my childhood. Happy, happy birthday Dad!! 

Steel Reunion ~ Day 2 ~ 4th of July

The day started out very cloudy. We weren't sure we would have much sun. But within an hour the clouds started breaking up. We all loved playing in the sand and water.

Some more than others. :)

The kids found lots of frogs. The poor frogs were worn out with all the fun. A few boys caught minnows too. 

By the end of Friday everyone was sunburned. Some more than others. Poor Avery...

Retta found Bailee's toothbrush. Bailee was NOT impressed. 

These two have missed playing with each other. It was cute. 

When we all were ready to take a break from the lake we made swords and shields. The kids enjoyed the whole process. 

These three assembled our flag for dinner. 

We went into Ogallala for fireworks. We found a great place off the side of the road. Super close to where they were setting them off. While we waited the kids played with sparklers. 

Steel Reunion ~ Day 1

Early Spring I sent out an email to all my siblings about a family reunion. Most said, sure if it's convenient. (Not surprised with the response.) I went online looking for a place in the middle. I found a lake in Nebraska, about the same distance for everyone! I was excited!! Finally a Steel reunion where we aren't doing all the driving. I gave everyone the details so they could reserve their own room. 

By the time the reunion arrived Richard, Aarin and myself were all that would make it. I was sad more couldn't make it, but I knew we would still have fun!!

We went about 20 minutes north of I-80 to Lake McConaughy. We each had our own cabin (trailer), or room. We kept reminding ourselves we weren't there for the living acomodations. We were there for the lake!!

We were soo excited to see the rest of our family! We've missed them so much. Bailee was able to get a ride with Richard. So glad he had room. McKinzie picked up Karlee from the airport the day before. It worked out well to have them bring Karlee. It was so nice to have all my girls together again!

Retta warmed up to us very quickly. Poppi was her favorite!

We went down to the lake just to put out feet in. Wrong! Those boys took off their shirts and went swimming! They loved it!

new pool

We went to a new pool today. I loved the clouds, until it totally blocked out the sun. 

The boys loved the monkey bars/rope crossing. Carson did it three times in a row. Then he had a blister. :( 

Mason isn't much for swimming. He comes because I require it of him. He brought his summer reading assignment to help pass the time. He was really getting into it when it was time to go. 

Carson also brought along a book....and many other items just to be prepared. 

We did have a little excitement at the pool. An older woman slipped and cut her nose. She ended up leaving in an ambulance. 

I was impressed at the lifeguard that noticed her. He was across the pool from where she was. He quickly blew his whistle and gave a hand signal to the other lifeguards and was off to the office to call 911. It's a comfort to me that they are trained so well. 

 I caught the boys playing Legos all over the basement this morning. I loved it!! Neither one got on the computer to play games...and they both lived!! It's been a great day!