Alaska Cousins

We got to spend this past weekend with ALL of Kyle's family!  Kyle's brother, Kurt & family, from Alaska were down in the midwest for a little vacationing (with the exception of their eldest, Brent, who was hard at work back home - we missed you Brent!).  That meant 10 of the 11 cousins, ranging in age from 20 on down to Piper at almost 3, were together!  Lots of good laughs, good games, good food, and good times were had by all. Much has changed since the last time we were all together -Piper was just a baby (3 months old), Brent & Paige were still in high school, and a few nameless souls were still under the age of 40...{I apologize in advance for the sheer number of photos that follow, it was just too much fun!}

For starters, let's see just how many Andersons we can squeeze on a single ATV?  Just a wee bit redneck?

The (younger) girl cousins after having fed the sheep with Uncle Scott - Piper almost 3, Sydney 11, Ava 5, Kennedy 11, & Hadley 4.5

Checking in on those little chicks up at Uncle Kraig's that we saw over Memorial Day.

We spent all of Sunday over in Hayward taking in the best outdoor tourist sights.  First stop: Wilderness Walk (which the girls loved last year on our family vacation!).











Cole 15, Hayden 13.5, Ava, Tyler 17.5, & Hadley {Note the calculated position of Ava & Hadley... anywhere near Tyler! More on that later...}

Ava & Hadley (or Sydney, below) didn't seem to mind the little fawn nibbling on them, but Piper was not too keen on it.

We were a little unsure how Pipey would do without a stroller, but with SO many aunties, uncles, & cousins who wanted to hold her hand or even carry her she did great.

Getting some Auntie Anne love.




















My sister-in-laws; how lucky am I!  WI Anne, Alaska Anne, Me, Kara, & Kim

Some Uncle Nate (Kyle's 'little' brother) love too!



















Even some Auntie Bev love (Jim's sister from out West)!

Next stop: the Taffy & Fudge shop!  Where the girls got in a little snuggle with Grandma A.

Followed by: the Homemade Ice Cream Shop, oh my!

And the final stop: the Go-Karts!  Piper wanted to drive with 'careful' Auntie Kara, and not one of her 'crazy' older boy cousins.

Hadley chose 'our' Paige.




















You can see Paige & Hadley in the rear, Kara & Piper just in front of them, Kyle up front leading the pack, but Bev trying to sneak by on the inside!

WOW!  What a crew!  That's Nathan in the upper left corner, followed by Kraig's family, Kurt's family, Jim & Carolyn, Kyle's family, Kim's family, and Kara's family (with Brent, we'd be a perfect double dozen). 

While it was short and very busy, the time spent together with everyone was such a blessing.  The laughter, hugs, and love the girls got from so many cousins will bless them the whole summer long.  Love you guys!

Since my mother-in-law doesn't really use a computer and therefore read this blog, I can kind of sneak this one in here... wouldn't this be an excellent 'gag' Christmas photo when I print them up for her?  Hehe.