Labor Day Weekend

What a fun weekend this was!!  We weren’t originally planning on going to Saratoga for Labor Day Weekend, but when I found out that all the Brintons were flying in from Utah for the weekend, I knew we had to go.  I couldn’t be the only cousin not there!  It’s been a long time since we’ve all been together.  And I’m so glad we went!  It was a great weekend.  The party started on Friday, with an all day swim party at my parents’ house.  It was perfect.  That’s exactly what my kids wanted to do most, and it was a great way to relax and all get caught up.  We got Maggiano’s take out for everyone, which was great. 

Saturday morning started off bright and early at the church for Scotty’s baptism.  I was so glad we could be there!  He had quite the support group, as you can see.  And I don’t even think this was everyone there. Scotty is one loved little dude!  I just think it’s impressive that most people’s faces can be seen in this picture . . . . except for that forehead right behind Michael.  Who is that?  Christopher?

After the baptism, we went home and changed into our swimsuits, loaded up the beach gear, grabbed as many snacks as we could, made our traditional stop at Togo’s, and headed to Santa Cruz! 

So fun to have such a big group at the beach!  Although even with an EZ-up and 5 umbrellas, shade was in high demand.  It’s a good thing we like to get cozy!

We then moved the party to Mike and Beth’s house for some more swimming and Jake’s pizza. 

Sunday evening we all gathered at Allen and Julie’s house for dinner.  

There sure wasn’t a shortage of cute babies around!  This is adorable little Lyla, Robert & Tawni’s baby.

Bryan and Andi’s sweet little Tyler.

Mike and Beth’s little Michael.

And here’s my mom holding the little peanut.

And these guys are the newlyweds of the family!  Married in June.  Welcome to the family, Tom! 

Being silly around the chip table.

Haha . . . . I guess Steph has forgotten that 4 month olds don’t eat carrots and ranch.  Time for another one!

My grandpa in his element.  He’s the master chef! 

Time to eat!

 

Check out this little beauty . . . . Scott and Kim’s Bella.

This is Drew, Bryan and Andi’s little boy.  He’s just a few weeks older than James.  He is the sweetest, smartest little guy and I love this picture because it is just so typical Drew.  Pacifier in his mouth with his ears folded in.  Those ears just crack me up!  Andi said they are folded in like that at least half the time.

James and Ryan being silly. 

Happy Birthday to Elyse! 

At the end of the night, we rounded up all the grandkids to take a picture with my grandparents.  It’s been a long time since all of us cousins have been together, and we just couldn’t let this weekend go by without getting at least one picture with all of us!  So, here we are.  My grandma and grandpa with all 23 of their grandkids.  4 Brinton kids: Bryan, Scott, Robert, and Andrea.  6 Cole kids: me, Jeff, Stephanie, Kristen, Ashley, and Michael.  Russ and Julie’s 4 kids: Allison, Christopher, Hannah, and Elyse.  Allen and Julie’s 4 kids: Brandon, Ben, Johnny, and Paul.  And Mike and Beth’s 5 kids: Shawn, Seth, Anson, William, and Michael.  Love all these cousins of mine!!  And how we all love our dear grandparents.                            

The oldest and the youngest of the grandkids . . . . me and baby Michael. 

Monday we all decided to hit up Great America!!  This place is just full of childhood memories for all of us.  We all grew up getting season passes to this place every year. 

It was so fun going with everyone!  We didn’t all stay together the whole time, but we did pretty good staying in big groups.  I wish the bumper cars were still there, just for old time sakes!

Our stroller brigade was pretty impressive!  I think we’re even missing one or two. 

The kids just loved going on all the rides with their cousins. 

My mom is just the best to always be so willing to go on the rides with the kids!  James was loving that Grandma took him on this little roller coaster.  I think it was a little faster than some were expecting! 

 

Here are the girls!

And Bryan and Andi with Drew and Hailey. 

The kids were all loving these little bumper cars.

Grant was all business . . . . He was out to get people!

And Jakey was happy just going along for the ride.

Ice cream for everyone!

This little girl was so good.  She just hung out in her seat and enjoyed the day!

I used to love this ride when I was little.  There’s no way I could go on it now, I would get way too sick.

And of course, Drop Zone!!  Here’s Russ with 3 of his 4 kids, Christopher, Hannah, and Elyse.

Dan and Michael.

We were all surprised when Scotty wanted to go on it!  Brave little man.  I love this picture . . . . you can see his arched back trying to make himself as tall as he can.

He made it!!  Love how Steph is checking his seatbelt. 

And Jeff, Kim, Andi, and Bryan.   

Dan and Spencer took the 4 girls on White Water Falls.

And there’s always a last carousel ride before leaving. 

Walking back to the car, it was fun checking out the new Niners stadium!  It will share the parking lot with Great America.  It’s going to be awesome having the stadium so close! 

This weekend was just one long non-stop party . . . . so fun!!