Christmas #1

Billy and Caitlin had to fly to Arizona on Thursday to spend some time (and Christmas Day) with Billy's family. I am trying to get used to having to share them...  So, we made this their Christmas Day! We started with our traditional cinnamon rolls, cider, etc. They opened their gifts from us, and we, from them. I think Pennie was the most excited.

She always has to open a present...

Billy and Jayce playing catch with Jayce's new balls. Okay, that present was from us. He talked us into letting him open just one more.

 Billy and Caitlin got this cup with a built in straw for Jayce. He loves it. He uses it every single meal!

I don't know why this is the only "present opening" picture I have. This is a scarf I got for Caitlin. Oh, and Billy's pile of clothes can also be seen.

We had our Christmas dinner around 4:00 because we had to take them to the airport. It was super rushed, with the reunion and wedding just before it, but still awesome. It will be more relaxed next time!

Wedding Day

Some of the family decided to start Wednesday off with an 8+ mile run at the beach. Yep, 5:00 a.m. My family is just that hard core. I didn't go. I have a cold. Wah.

 It was a beautiful day for a wedding at the temple! Oh my!

We got some shots outside of the temple while we were waiting for the bride and groom to emerge. My handsome husband...

An incredibly cute little boy...

We had quite the crowd!

Wylie and Sami!

I was cold, so I borrowed Mark's coat. And Susan is a beautiful mother of the groom!

A shot of a former bride and groom...

 Yay!! Mr. and Mrs. Travis Jensen!

With the Barrow Grandparents...

I had to include this picture...it is so Cami. I'm probably safe because I don't think she follows my blog.

I had to include the real deal awesome photographer pictures. Aren't they gorgeous?!

I can't remember if this was Tuesday or Wednesday, but I had to include it. Jess and Caitlin were both sleeping on the couch. 

Love it!

Groom's Dinner

On Tuesday, Cami went to the temple for the first time. Some of the family attended the temple with her, while others went to Legoland. I wish I had pictures, but I don't. 

In the evening, Gene and Michele hosted the Groom's Dinner at their home in Murrieta. This is a picture of me and my sister, Susan, the groom's mother. What a happy day!

 And me and my dad...love this man!

It was pretty cold outside, probably in the high 40's, but Gene heated up the pool and jacuzzi and everyone loved it!

 Had to include this one...when did Cody get so big?

 The fire pit crew...

 Little Rachel!! So funny!

It was very nice outside, thanks to the lamps. Everyone had such a great time eating good food and visiting. Travis and Cami look very relaxed the night before their wedding.

I just wish I had a picture of all the yummy food! It was incredible!

Barrow Family Reunion

My ENTIRE family came to San Diego (after living here 20 years I now claim this as home) from Texas for our family reunion. This was a dream come true for me. I LOVE MY FAMILY! Everyone arrived on Saturday sometime. We booked a hotel in Del Mar. I wish I had more pictures of it because it was very nice, yet still affordable. The views were beautiful!

On Sunday, everyone attended our church service (I think we took up three or four entire rows). And then we came back to our house to eat a yummy ham dinner and share family stories. The theme my dad chose for the reunion was "Getting to Know You." He had us prepare the music from The King and I, which we played before sharing family stories. Mark also made a DVD of pictures from previous reunions. It was a great day!

Maggie was pretty tuckered out after family pictures on Monday.

Grandma was very excited to be in San Diego.

After family pictures in the morning on Monday, some of us went up and hiked Torrey Pines. I hate to admit I have lived here more than 20 years and have never hiked it! It was breathtakingly beautiful!

 This is Jess' typical pose...

Cute Jayce on the hike.

 Look at that view!! And I don't just mean Maggie.

 The hiking crew!

No wait, THIS is the view. I wish we could've hiked longer. We were only there like 30 minutes because we had to get to In N Out.  Priorities, you know.

We converged on In N Out and our red shirts pretty much took up the whole place. Aren't the shirts great?! Kenzie designed them!

Speaking of Kenzie, see that guy? That's Steve, her fiance'! Welcome to the family, Steve!

After we replenished our energy, we went to the San Diego Food Bank to sort cans.

 This is my cute niece, Jillian. She didn't really like being in the bin, but we all talked to her as we sorted. It was safer in there for her.

 We sorted 17 bins of cans! That's tons more than our youth do when we go as a church youth group.

 Mom found her niche, holding little Riley!

 And Jayce and his new buddy for life, Robbie. They had met before the reunion, but never hit it off quite like they did this time. Jayce said, "It's like having a brother my age!"