Once again, a very long overdue post, I guess this could be the norm. :(
We took our annual family vacation to the Frio River a couple weeks ago and had a blast as usual. Well, I'll be honest, I was cautiously optimistic that this year would be better than last. On top of being sick, the girls were just at a hard stage last year, so it wasn't super enjoyable...but MUCH BETTER this time! This was our 7th year to go with my family, and every year the company changes a little.
This year...
Us
Dad and Beatie
Michael, Leigh, Ellery and Tristan
Allison and Brad
Jeni and Brad
David, Kym, Peyton and Hannah
Sonja, Danny, Lane and Mason
Chris
Scott and Crystal
and
Scott
so yes, that's 18 adults and 11 kids...29 people total
missed you mom :)
I used to plan the trips until I was pregnant with the quints, and then my super duper step-sister, Sonja, took over...thank you! She has been doing it since, and I must say, it's nice to be "along for the ride". We have always stayed in a different house each summer, but this year she hit the bullseye! We found us a winner!
Most the houses along the river that are for rent have a name, this one was "Paradise"... perfect name! This was our view from the back porch....
Our own sidewalk down to the river
As soon as we got there, the kids took off to the water, and then headed back to tell how it looked!
View of our "Paradise" from the sidewalk
We left at 4 am that morning, and arrived in Concan before 10am. With 6 cars caravaning and 11 kids, proud to say that we still only had to make one pitstop. Once we arrived at the house, it's time for preparations for the long weekend. It was like ants unloading the trucks, everybody moving!
First things first, unload the groceries and stock the refridgerators and the pantry!
WOW, that's a LOT of food!
Then, it's time to put the "river equipment" on the truck so that the tubes can easily be carried from the house to the river when dropping off the "floaters".
Danny and Robby at work
Next, make the kids happy. We brought our handy dandy sand table.
Mason, Kennedy, and Lane
And then our "Family Newcomer" had the right idea of finding his perfect spot on the river.
Brad H. a.k.a. Jeni's Brad
And last but not least, everyone needs to put on a life preserver...or two...or three!
Ellery, my super sweet niece!
Here's Reagan helping out Lane before heading down to the river to swim
Scott only thought he was along for a quiet, peaceful trip to the river! Sorry Scott, there's 11 more kids than the last time you came. :)
Me with my little girls
Madison, Kennedy, Ellie, Mommy, McKinley, and Taylor
Then after the little girls swam, it was time for a nap. Which meant some one on one time with Reagan while Daddy took a river trip.
The big kids found the perfect place to jump and here was Reagan showing off for me. She had to jump a half dozen times to get each shot (note Hannah's change in position).
Go Reagan!
I think everyone would agree that these four kids had the BEST time out of everyone! I know Reagan will never forget this vacation with her cousins.
Peyton, Lane, Hannah, and Reagan
And can't forget about Mason Roo...look at that innocent face. :)
Michael and Leigh with their kiddos, Ellie and Tristan
Leigh's first time also to be at the river with the family
This was the view "up river" from our spot at the bottom of our house.
There was a nice walkway up on the rock to let the little ones float a few yards.
Or they could hang out in the shallow water by the rock island...
it was perfect for the kids!
Madison, Taylor, and Kennedy
Kennedy
Madison
Grandpa floating down the river with McKinley and Taylor
Then back to the house for some more rest time...
Mason and Grandpa Bob
Have I mentioned how much Grandpa loves his grandkids...all 11 of them! Definitely more than he loves the river, and that's ALOT!
The first year we took Reagan to the river, my cousin Kris, found a really cool place near Concan that we didn't know existed...
it's called, Reagan Wells, Texas!
Can you believe that!? Reagan has her own little town!
Yes, it is very little...no stop sign or stop light, but there is an old's boy's ranch that's now a bed & breakfast type resort and a baptist church. We went to visit before she was one and haven't been back since, so we stopped by again this year.
Reagan Wells, Texas
Reagan Wells Ranch
Reagan Wells Baptist Church
Pretty cool, I must say. Even cooler that we didn't know the town existed when we named her. She still doesn't quite get it, but will soon. When we got done taking the first picture with the green state sign, I said, "Isn't that neat Rea?"...she said, "what, it's just a green sign with my name on it." One day she'll understand. :)
The other four had a great time this year and we had fun watching them!
McKinley being goofy, what she does best!
Madison being stubborn and not smiling for the picture
Kennedy being sweet and looking pretty
Taylor being serious, deep in thought
All five of our girls, love it!
Kennedy, McKinley, Madison, Taylor, and Reagan
And last but not least, Tristan!
If that smile doesn't melt your heart?!?
Our family picture before leaving to go back home.
Grandpa trying to keep the kids entertained while we finished packing the car.
It was only fun for a few seconds though. :)
Our traditional "group picture" before leaving...good times!
And next year there will be two more!!!
No, Brad isn't really having a baby!
But Alli and Sonja are! Can't wait to meet them in the next month or so...
Thank you everyone for a great trip!
We had so much fun and can't wait to go back!!
