the real life

 We had a Nelson Reunion up in Midway the first weekend in Utah. It was wonderful to be with everyone. I have been trying to get photos to upload for 15 minutes from this trip and it is being weird so those will have to come another time. We stayed in a BEAUTIFUL home and enjoyed time on Deer Creek and the loveliness of those surroundings.

 Lots of swimming time at Grandpa and Grandma Nelson's pool with the cousins (and Gladwells - so glad you joined us!)

 Playing on the floor happily at Papa and Crazy Grandmas. After Midway we stayed at my parents to prepare for the wedding and welcome Minkie to America! She is incredible. I love her.

 All ten siblings were in the temple to witness Matt and Minkie get married for time and all eternity. What a blessing. This was the number one highlight of the trip home for me. Such a blessing to be part of an eternal family.

 Myself and the handsome groom.

 As soon as the wedding was over we were packing up and off to Hebgen for the rest of our trip. Darla enjoyed herself on the knee board.

 I would find Bennett just sitting out in the middle of no where all the time. I think he enjoyed the space as much as I did. I swear I didn't see my kids the majority of the time we were at the cabin. Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, Papa and Crazy Grandma took such great care of them!

 He did it! Bennett at the age of 2 got up on two skis! Cute boy! He said he wanted to do it and he did! Incredible.

 Thanks to Uncle Jim and his boys for giving four wheeler rides non stop! Love the pink shirt.

 Norah, Porter, Easton, Saydi, Tess, Darla, and Henry. What good friends they are to my little girl. I wish we lived by cousins.

 Floating down the Firehole River. Always a delight.

The SLR FUN RUN was held. I was able to complete the half marathon! Along with my sister Emily, neice Jessica, and Brothers Jon, Jim and Dave! I was so happy that I made it. So happy that my body let me keep going. I had been planning on running this, but started having problems with my knee. I said I would run as far as my knee let me. It let me go the WHOLE WAY!!!!! This is the 2nd best moment of the trip - crossing that finish line.

 My sister put together "Hebgen Survivor 2012" - little obstacle courses and activities for the kids.

 Here is Bennett participating in the "make yourself a beard and hat out of shaving cream" task.

 Bennett on the knee board. Following Darla's example of bravery :)

 Cousin line up. Classic photo we take every year. Too bad we didn't get it when everyone was around.

 When around Bennett - everyone turned into a pirate. Speaking in pirate terms, people had pirate names. Captain Bennett Pirate and his crew ruled the blue Hebgen Seas. My darling nieces Phoebe and Lydia put together a pirate treasure hunt and made telescopes and maps for this crew. So fun. Bennett was thrilled!!!!

 Whenever I couldn't find Tate (strange for me because he wasn't crawling yet) I would find him somewhere with his Grandma. Thanks Mom for helping me all the time. You won him over 100%.

 Enjoying the water. She is so darling. Beach days pretty much every day. I love this life.

 Tate would sit and play in the sand all day. All day. Hands down best baby ever.

 Man, this guy is handsome.

 I had to take this photo because there is one exactly like it hanging in my cabin of me and by brother Jon at the exact same ages and pose as Darla and Tate. Darla takes such good care of Tate.

 No real bath at the cabin just this sink. I think everyone as a child has a picture in this sink.

 Again, just out by himself playing for hours.

Here the three are - on the drive home. Leaving once again what was a brilliant trip to be with the people we love. What a wonderful summer. I wish it hadn't gone so fast.