We just spent a wonderful weekend with family. The Dawsons decided to get together somewhat last minute and have a mini reunion before we move. The amazing thing was that even though it was pretty last minute almost everyone was there!
Taysia with some of her girl cousins
Even Raylon and Emili were able to drive up from Arizona. It was so fun to spend the entire weekend with everyone, especially for my kids. It always seems like it is time to go home by the time they finally get warmed up to everyone. But with lots of time to play and lots of kids to play with they warmed up to everyone pretty fast and were sad when the fun was over.
Two of my favorite girls!
I think everyone was hoping Mary would have her baby while they were here so that they could meet the little guy before driving home, but even after playing volleyball for hours... Mary is still pregnant. :) But it can't be much longer.
All the littles enjoying a movie and snack while volleyball was going on, and before dinner was started.
We spent Saturday afternoon/evening at the church so we would have more room to play. One of Bonnie's neighbors were kind enough to let everyone stay at their house since they were out of town for the weekend, but having the church was fun because it allowed for a lot of different activities that we wouldn't have otherwise been able to do.
Saturday night as I was attempting to wash my face I pulled my hair back in a ponytail, which with how short my hair is made quite the funny ponytail. After some laughter between Mary, myself and Raylene we all walked emotionless out of the bathroom....
This is basically the result of out silliness (apparently laughter isn't the only thing that is contagious.)
I'm going to miss being a part of the fun times that are bound to happen.
Candy necklace creations for the kids.
Raylene was very creative with her assortment of edibles with holes through the center.
Cute kids!
Mary ... ready to pop and still as fun as ever!
I think I might go crazy without these two when we move. It is really starting to hit me how different it will be without them. (I already feel withdrawal symptoms when I don't see them for 6 days or more.)
We were also able to take family pictures while everyone was there. I am super excited to see them since it has been forever since the last Dawson family picture was taken.
My little Phoenix walking the curb.
And Taysia.
One other incredible girl of note... Kiana. This girl is AMAZING! I wish I could pack her up with all the rest of our stuff and take her to South Carolina (not that I wouldn't take any family with us that wanted to come). Taysia and Phoenix practically adopted her. It was so cute to hear them calling her their "new friend", and telling me about all the fun things they were going to do with her. What I wouldn't give to have her for my babysitter. :) Not just because my kids like her.
It was a fun weekend. To be completely honest, I'm ready for things to get back to normal... more sleep, less junk food, etc, but the time really did go too fast. I'm just grateful for the effort that everyone made to give us one more fun weekend that we will never forget, and a ton of memories with family that I hope my kids will hold onto and think of often while we are away!
