Middleton Reunion, DAY 1

It's no surprise that DAY 1 of our extended family reunion found us all on the River...after all...that's what we do best!  

After breakfast, "the big kids" (ages 7 & up, depending on their comfort level & the confidence of each parent), gathered in the garage to get suited up with life jackets & hear the mandatory "safety talk" given by Cousin T-Roy.

We divided up into four boats.  We have enough River Guides in the family that Paul didn't have to guide a boat so he could enjoy a little socializing with the family...

Brent's boat...

Kyle's boat...

Troy's boat...

Ty's boat...

Ready to launch...

We always encourage everyone to jump in the River so they have some idea of what to expect if they happen to fall in during a rapid.  Caroline (Becca's foreign exchange student-daughter) needed a little extra encouragement so I just kinda hugged her & jumped in with her...she came out smiling & is still talking to me...we are "rafting buddies" now.

These cousins had a great time together...

Some even jumped off this rock for a little added excitement...

These next action shots were taken by Hot Shots Photograpy (where Unka Ty worked the past two summers). 

Brent's boat...

Kyle's boat...

Troy's boat...

Ty's boat...

Everyone pitched in to break down the equipment at the "take out"...

While the big kids were on the River, the "littles" stayed back with Aunt Amy & Aunt Leah to play on the Waterslides...waiting patiently for the slides to be ready...

Even the "kiddy pool" was a popular place on this hot summer day...

Drying off on the warm cement...

We are always hungry when we get off the river.  Dinner was delicious & the company was even better! 

We hired a couple of young women from our ward to help set up, prepare, & clean up at mealtime so we could visit with family more without being stuck in the kitchen.  Elizabeth & Donna did an excellent job - very helpful & always smiling!  Thanks, girls!

After dinner, we all gathered around to watch the slide show of the River Trip from Hot Shots...

Well, not everyone...some cousins just couldn't get enough of this water feature!

Meanwhile, I was busy setting up for our Mini-Marshmallow Shooters.  I got the idea from Jill's friend, Misty Kim, but several versions are all over Pinterest.  I had pieces of PVC pipes & joints & elbows set out in buckets & gave a brief demonstration...

We  divided the group up into "littles" & "bigs" - the littles went first with a buddy to help them build their own shooter...it was a big hit!

Some creative people modified the design...

While others simplified...

They all enjoyed shooting mini-marshmallows at each other - some of them even ganged up on Uncle Paul/G'pa Paul!

After our Marshmallow Wars, we headed to the firepit in the backyard for some S'mores.  While we waited for the flames to die down to the perfect roasting coals Aunt Nicole & I led the group in a few campfire songs...

It was a fun filled day & we are pretty sure we wore everyone out!  But we were all excited to come back for more fun on DAY 2!