Graduation Party

I have really enjoyed having my family in town this weekend. Nichole, Tyler and Kate came in on Wednesday afternoon and had dinner with us. Tyler stayed the night at our house all weekend. I was really glad to see that he feels at home here and that he is getting along so well with Dallin. My parents came into town on Thursday afternoon. We all met up for lunch before Jordan's commencement program. Friday, after the graduation, Krystle and my parents ended up back at my house where we spent the day baking cookies to get ready for the party the next day. (The theme of the party was "One Smart Cookie"...which meant lots of cookies. I made snickerdoodles and homemade Oreos. Yum!!!). Michael and Jenn drove in later that evening and stayed with my brother Scott. On Saturday, we all met up (all my family, except Nichole's husband, Ryan, was in town) for lunch at the Art City Trolley in Springville (where Jeff took me for my birthday lunch). We then headed back to my house to finish the food preparations then transported it all over to Jordan's parent's house for the party! It was a BUSY weekend, but well worth it. The party was fun. Krystle did a great job organizing and delegating it all. My sister Nichole helped with the decorations too. It was fun to see Jordan's family and to have my cousins there as well. I feel extremely blessed to be related to and to know so many amazing people. I enjoyed watching how well the kids and Jeff interacted with my family. It's encouraging to see how open they are to establishing new relationships. The kids seemed to have a blast jumping on the trampoline, rolling down a hill in a large pipe, sunbathing, etc. Thanks to Jordan's parents for hosting the party! Here are a few pics from the party.

The girls after their trip down the hill.

Michael screaming like a little girl!

He might be dead.

Tyler, Dallin, Sydney (Jordan's little sister) and Danny

My nieces Kate and Kaia

Jenn, Amber, and Laurin trying to tan up for the summer.

My parents with all their kids.

My siblings plus our spouses (minus Ryan)

The original 5!

The whole Shumway clan (again, minus Ryan)

 

After we cleaned up, everyone headed over to our house to spend the last evening together before those from Arizona made the trip home the following day. We had fun playing on the zipline, four wheelers, motor bikes, etc. I'm grateful to have a home where I can host family and friends. We had fun just hanging out. Thanks to everyone for creating such a fun-filled, family weekend!

Umm...not sure the motorbike can handle all of Michael!

Papa on the zipline