Utah part 1: Unofficial Reunion before the Reunion

Last month we went to Utah for the first ever Uda family reunion. Even though the whole Uda clan wouldn't be together until the official reunion dates, I decided to fly out a week early with the kids to maximize the time with my family.

The girls were in heaven spending every minute of the day with their cousins. 

Most of the time was spent in their swim suits. Dipping in the pool, running through the sprinklers and playing with water balloons.

Uncle Tau and Uncle Ro holding still for the water balloon firing squad. They took some good hits but then went running after the kids for some revenge. Lots of happy squealing and laughter.

I stayed at my sister Rachel's house which was perfect because our girls all play and get along like BFFs. It's also conveniently located 10 steps away from my Mom's house, so we were in the center of the action and got to see plenty of everyone :)

Brinsie and Grandma Uda

Teya and Papa Uda

 On Sunday my dad requested that me, Rachel, Naomi and Sarah (who is 5 months pregnant with her 3rd baby boy) sing in sacrament meeting. It was so awesome being able to sing with my sisters again. Brought back lots of good memories.

 On another day Me, Naomi and Sarah were feeling brave and took our 7 kids plus 3 extra cousins to the BYU creamery and the Bean Museum.  It was chaotic, and a little exhausting, but I think the kids had fun so it was worth it.

We tried to get our offspring to pose at the museum. Noa and Lily were making crusties, Brooklyn was poking her eye, Maile forgot to smile, Malia, Micah, Lily and Cam weren't looking at the camera, and Cam kept trying to escape so David had to snag him by the collar to keep him there for at least one picture. All that considered though, not a bad pic! lol!

 The kids had a great time at the museum.  Cam was especially intrigued by all the displays.

 I love his face in this picture. "ALLIGATOR!"

Later in the week I left Cam at home and took Teya, Brinley, Mason and Maile out for some frozen yogurt. They thought I was the coolest auntie/mommy ever :)

But the real coolest mommy ever award goes to my mom, who watched ALL of our kids so we could go on a sibling date to Bajio and then grab some sweets from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory. I have dreams about the mouth watering green chile chicken salad from Bajio and crave it constantly. Being able to finally eat one was pure heaven! We had a great time talking and laughing at the restaurant. My siblings are THE best and I always have so much fun when I'm with them. 

I'm glad I was able to go out early before the reunion. Other highlights include:

 1) funniest game of truth or dare with my siblings ever! (I seriously almost wet my pants from laughing so hard)

2) Special dinner movie date with just me and my parents. (It is a rare and awesome thing to get one on one time with the rents)

3) Listening to my little brother talk about politics (He's a smart one)

4) Eating lots and lots and lots and lots of yummy delicious food

5) Running my fastest half marathon ever (separate post to come for that!)

6) All the great one on one chats I had with my parents and siblings. 

7) Just being with my wonderful family. 

More posts to come, including a mini-sub reunion in Colorado with Taber's family. Stay tuned...