A Visit to Star, ID

My family reunion ended on Sunday and everyone headed home. It was a ton of fun. Billy went golfing and also went rafting down the Payette River (we thought best if I passed on that adventure). The girls got massages 1 day and I was also treated to a pedicure and little shopping. It was a lot of fun being with family.

Billy and I decided that we wanted to stay and make a longer vacation out of our trip. On Sunday we ventured out to Star where we had fun visiting with Aunt Jo and Billy’s cousin Annie and her family. Billy has so many memories growing up with Annie. They are just a year apart. We hadn’t seen them for a couple of years so it was fun being together.

Aunt Jo, Ryan, and Jason (Ryan got practice holding a baby)

Ryan with Annie’s kids: L-R: Ryan, Jason, Ryan (yes another Ryan), Natalie Jo

Annie, Billy, and Ryan

On Monday we all got together again and went swimming and had pizza. Thanks Annie and Adam for showing us a good time! 

More Reunion…

On Saturday evening (6/24) we went to Sandy Point and had a BBQ. It was a lot of fun. The kids loved playing in the water. We also played some fun “Minute To Win It” games.

Pat and Billy swam out to this big fountain in the middle of the lake.

Me and my love! I’m 27 weeks pregnant in the picture.

That night we enjoyed sparklers and setting off some fireworks. Ryan loved the sparkler; even though she didn’t realized it was hot after it stopped and touched it. For the next couple weeks she kept saying, “Hot, don’t touch firework.”

Hugs and kisses and more supervision and she was back at it!

Pyper and Mindy

Pyper Family Reunion Cont.

There are so many pictures from our vacation. It’s going to take a few posts to blog about it all, so if you’re wanting to read about it, here’s more:

We took the kids to Settlers’ Park 1 evening and the kids loved playing in the water and on the playground.

Grandpa and Grandma got all the grandkids matching outfits and sunglasses. Here’s all the girls: L-R: Ryan (2), Ashton (couple months shy of 3), Presley (1), Pyper (4), Cali (4), and Tess (1)

Another photo shoot.

We were able to get some family pictures taken. It was so beautiful outside. Thanks to Alysha’s sister Mandi who was the photographer for us.

The whole gang (minus Kaz who just started a new job and had training the week of the reunion).

L-R: Back row: Chelsea, Ryan, Billy, Justin, Cali, Tess, Natalie, Dylan, Ashton, Pyper, Mindy, Pat, Presley, Emmy, Dad, Donna

Front Row: Brandon, Alysha, Melissa, Callen

Pyper Family Reunion 2011

We just got back from a week and a half vacation. We were gone June 22-July 1st and it was absolutely wonderful. We hadn’t taken any trips since Christmas due to Billy’s injury so it was really nice to be able to leave the heat and take a vacation together as a family. Every year we have a Pyper Family Reunion with the immediate family (brothers and sisters) on my side. This year we decided to have the reunion at my brother Brandon’s home in Boise, ID. Billy and I had never been to Idaho before and we really loved it. Billy’s convinced that he might want to move there someday. There are so many pictures that it’ll take a few posts so enjoy!

Ryan loved the plane…that is until about the last 45 min. She hadn’t had a nap and was so tired. She kept saying, “I want to go home.” I had to include this picture because I found these purple converse shoes on clearance and she is so adorable in them….I also say that she has a shoe fetish, but I think it may be that her mommy is the one with the shoe fetish.

Idaho is like Utah; it doesn’t get dark until about 10:00 at night. Ryan was completely off her sleep schedule. The cousins played from sunrise to sunset…literally. I don’t think any of them went to bed before 11. She had so much fun playing with all her cousins. 6 of the 7 grandkids are girls and are all under age 4.

L-R: Ashton, Ryan, Dylan, Pyper (4 of the 7)

Because of all the snow, the water level was really high. This was a river that we stopped at as we were driving out of a canyon to let the kids have fun. The water was freezing cold, but it didn’t stop the kids from playing and throwing rocks.

Ryan and Grandma Donna.

Despite the freezing temperatures, all of the guys (including my dad, Alysha, and Emmy) took the challenge of going completely under the water. Billy took it to another level by floating from one part of the river to another. Despite how the water looks in the pictures, the current was actually really strong.

After putting mud all over grandpa, Ryan thought it would be fun to put mud all of herself too. She got the award for going neck down in water so we could clean her up….she was 1 cold little girl when she got out!

Father’s Day 2011

For Father’s Day this year Ryan and I wanted to do something different. Instead of writing Billy a card or letter, we made him a poster card using candy bars. We also gave him Men’s body wash from Bath and Body Works. Ryan added her little touch at the bottom of the poster. She was sure happy it was Father’s Day and that Billy got a bunch of candy.

As you can tell it is really difficult to read the poster from a picture. We ate the candy and a poster is too big to keep, so for journaling purposes here’s what the poster said:

Dear Daddy,

We just wanted to tell you how much we love you. You are so much fun to be around. We love playing and have MOUNDS of fun. I SKORED big time when Heavenly Father let you be my daddy. We always have a GOOD time playing dinosaurs, kitchen, ponies, jumping pad, dancing, coloring, and much more. You are outrageously funny and my pride and JOY. Sometimes I can have BUTTERFINGERS and spill my drink or food, but you never get mad. I love when we go to the park, ride bikes, and look for bunnies. I’m your SWEETIE and your worth 100 GRAND (you’re a BIG HUNK to mommy too). You take care of our family and love Heavenly Father. I’m grateful our family is forever. You’re the best in all the MILKY WAY and we love you to PIECES. We are excited for BABY sister to meet you and see how lucky we are to have you for our daddy. Happy WHATCHAMACALLIT…of yeah, Father’s Day! We sure love you!

Love your 3 Bebe Snugs,

Mommy, Ryan, and Baby Sister

We love you so much Billy! Thank you for always taking care of our family!