Wilde Family Reunion 2011

After what felt like forever waiting for the next Wilde Family Reunion - August 2011 finally came!  It had been a few years since most of the family since the last unofficial reunion was during Natalie and Danielle's weddings.  (I was too pregnant with Norah to make the flight.)  So this reunion was especially anticipated as it would be the first time some of the family had even met Norah or Beckett.  

The reunion took place at Grandma and Grandpa Wilde's house - which was perfect!  Dad had spent many hours constructing a sweet movie room (projector, surround sound, etc.) which kept many entertained along with their beautiful backyard, of course.  We had some great activities, many good laughs, and just an overall amazing time.  The boys loved having cousins to play with and it was so fun to see how our little nieces and nephews have grown!  

Getting ready to get on the plane to Oregon!

All smiles... For now...

Beckett waiting to take his first airplane ride!

The water was freezing at Silver Falls State Park!  That didn't stop these boys from getting their feet wet, though. 

Justin teaching Jack how to play badminton.  Jack preferred to use the racket as a weapon. 

This beautiful and enormous waterfall appeared almost out of nowhere during the small hike we did.

Beckett was all smiles in the beautiful Oregon weather!

Norah's cranky face at the Family Fun Center. :)

Alexa and Beckett.  She must have told me a million times how, "Adorable," Beckett was.  It was so cute!

Uncle Devin took Eddie for a spin on the go-cart track.

Grandma Wilde and Norah watching the boys on the track.

This kid meant business on the bumper boats!  He may have gotten pretty wet, but he soaked me!  I had to quit early because I was wearing a white t-shirt and didn't want to look scandalous. :)

Norah took no prisoners as she manned the water gun on Justin's boat. :)

We thought she might like to play mini-golf.  We thought wrong.  She preferred to hit various stationary objects (including random strangers' golf balls) with her club.

Mini-golfin' with my (big) boys. :)

The boys love this game.  I'm not even sure what it's called (skee ball?).  Anything that involves throwing lead balls up a ramp with a potential to be rewarded with tickets that can be exchanged for prizes is a thumbs-up for Jack and Eddie... And Daddy.

Aunt Madison and Cousin Kylie.  When did they grow up?!  Suddenly they're in middle school and Madison is almost as tall as me now!

Norah June-bug

Yep - I think she was about ready to leave the Family Fun Center.   Too much of a good thing???  :)

Love his little fauxhawk at the splash park!  

"Just try to take my snack from me.  I dare you."

Beckett's first visit to the splash park we love to visit when we're in OR!  The kids could have played there all day. 

Even Norah had a smile on at the splash park. :)

While waiting for our photo shoot to begin I tried to take a few pictures of the kids myself.  Norah was not very cooperative. :)

But she sure looked cute!  

Finally, a smile!  

Jack was more than willing to pose for me.   (He's already learned that if he humors me for a few minutes than we're done much more quickly and he can go back to playing.)

Crazy monster face.  I love it. :)

He's so handsome!  

Eddie will usually pose for me, but he hasn't quite learned how to smile naturally on command, lol.  When I say, "smile!" - he does this forced/pain smile face every.single.time. :)  

After our photo shoot both Norah and Beckett were ready to relax.  And Daddy had a perfect spot. :)

Norah melting down?  Never!  (She probably just wanted Daddy. :)

Yep.

The Birthday Boy eating his poppyseed muffin for breakfast!   He looks older already, doesn't he? 

Jack, Matthew and Jacob, with bags ready, milling around waiting for the pinata action to begin.

Beckett got the first whack, of course. :)  (And yes, that's a golf club.)

Eddie's turn!  This pinata was serious... It took a LOT of hits and I think Jordan ended up finally puncturing it after none of the younger boys could.  Not that they cared... They wanted candy!  

Daddy and the Birthday Boy. 

Mommy and the Birthday Boy.  

The adults enjoying the beautiful weather while the kiddos are gorging themselves on pinata candy.  A great day for all. :)

Justin doing "crazy feet" and "the gorilla" to all of the kiddos on the trampoline.   The best part was when they all dog-piled on top of him. :)

Beckett using Grandpa Wilde as a jungle-gym. :)

Look at all of these BOYS!  

Jack easily spent the majority of his time in the pond.  He caught tadpoles and frogs (and I even caught him a snake or two!) and was in herpetology heaven.  

One of the many froglets Jack caught.  (And released, of course.)

This froglet will probably need therapy after this experience.  Assuming he survived, lol.  

Heading home.  I'm not going to lie... It was a VERY long flight! 

But what a fun trip!!!  We are very much looking forward to the next family reunion (maybe here in NC??? :) and are so thankful to Mom and Dad for all of the time, energy and love they put into planning such a wonderful week! :)