Family Reunion

We recently were able to attend the first annual Layton family reunion. With 5 kids 2 and under, it was quite the experience! I think all the kids shall have lots of fun together once they get a little older and begin to learn to interact more.

I got to go early and have some fun time with the girls, kids, and Nana and Papa. It was such fun for me to get to know my sisters-in-law better. I can't wait for future reunions!

It was fun for Peter to get to meet his cousins and aunts and uncles. Although a little shy and standoffish, by the end of the week, he warmed up considerably. Here are some pictures documenting some of the events:

 

All 5 grandkids at once. This is at the Des Moines zoo. It was fun, but I think Peter will enjoy zoos a little more when he's a little older. I thin it was a lot of fun for the older grandkids especially.

 

Oddly, they have a dinosaur exhibit at the zoo. I wasn't aware that zoos had dinosaur exhibits. The dinosaurs even moved a bit.

 

The lovely and sweet Cali Layton with little Ariana and Peter. Ariana is a little over 1 month older than Peter. I know they'll be great friends. Ariana is a little sweetheart! She started to walk at the family reunion, and it was so fun to see her toddling around.

 

A rare view of the three oldest children holding hands. This is Meadow, Reuben, and little Cozy. So sweet!

 

Peter didn't really know what to make of the animals in the petting zoo.

 

A crazy coi pond. I couldn't believe all the fish in there!

 

Some fun at a mall play area. I wish we had places as nice as this in Germantown. All the grandkids had lots of fun.

 

 

 

 

 

The youngest 4 grandkids all in grocery carts at Costco. Gotta love those huge carts.

 

And finally the Iowa State Fair. You've never been to a fair until you've been to this one. Pretty amazing! They had a really fun little place for all the kids to practice farming. Peter was a little too young for all of this, but he had fun riding on Daddy's shoulders and wearing his hat.

 

The older kids got to ride in fun little tractor cars. This is Lauren and Jason's sweet little family.

 

 

Cozanne won a first place blue ribbon for her awesome dollhouse that she submitted for the fair. It was pretty awesome! Congratulations, Nana! Ray also won a first place blue ribbon for a carving of Moses with a walking stick. I'm so sad I didn't get a picture of this, nor did I even get to see it! I've heard it was quite impressive though. Hopefully I'll get to see a picture soon. Congrats, Papa!

 

Peter smiling at his aunt Lauren. He and his auntie got along famously.

So sad I didn't get pictures of Jordan, Anna, Papa, or me. Oh well. We'll try again next year!