Taylor Picture's

I know I posted about my family reunion a while ago, but we got the picture's my friend took for us, and I am so excited to share!

Growing up in a family s big as mine just seemed normal to me. I didn't know any different, and really it didn't bother me because there was always someone to play with, talk to, annoy, pester. As we've all grown up, gotten married, and had our own families it's been so fun to watch all the cousins together. When we have family get together's I have NEVER heard anyone of the kids say they are bored, what can they do, who can they play with, or what can they play. We can't drive fast enough or get out of the car fast enough- the kids are gone sometimes before the car is in park.

Since I was the 10th child some may wonder if it was hard. Was I ignored or neglected- absolutely not. I think in some ways I had it a little easier. I didn't have to cook, because someone older was already in there doing it. I didn't have to do as many chores as my older siblings because we didn't have goats or chickens anymore- we just went to the store to get milk and eggs.

No, there wasn't alot of one on one time with my parents, in fact I can probably count on one hand how many times I was alone with them, but I'm not scarred by it. Sure I wish there could have been more time, but don't we always wish we could have more? I know my parents loved me and raised me to know I am loved by them and by my Heavenly Father. I also know they did a great job raising as many kids as they did- I know I for sure could not have done that.

Here is the family picture- there are seven people missing from this picture- I don't know if we will ever get another family picture with all of us!! yep- I'm even going to name everyone- there will be mis-spellings I'm sure!

Haliey Carly Ashlee Rachel Mom Becca Grace Kate Josh Jace Conner Tanner Wes Logan

Abbey Lexi Elijah Alissa Christian Laura Aaron Ryan Megan Tara Kylea Brooke Lea Ann Kristina Kyle Max

Scott Annie Jeff Darrell Baylee Audrey Ben Tiffany Robyn James Mike Larae Marie Alan Natalie Kevin David Brayden Shanae Zach and Amy

missing: Staci, Sydnee, Trevor, Kyle, Dustin, Kymber, and Christian

Here are picture's Julie took while we were doing our scavenger hunt.

Jeff and Annie

Everyone looking for a feather

"Hiking" back to the cabin

Grandma kept Bays during the scavenger hunt

Dinner time is kind of crazy with this many people. It is usually buffet style. Sometimes the adults eat first while the kids are playing- what they don't know won't hurt them- and we love to be able to talk with out a "Mommy" or "Daddy!"

Julie was so nice to let us over take her families cabin, and to take picture's for us. She's been trying to build her portfolio and our family gave her lot's I'm sure!

Here are a few of my siblings and their families.

Alan Natalie Tara Megan Jace and Josh

Larae (Dustin couldn't make it) Ryan Aaron Grace Kate and Becca- and another of Becca cause she's so stinkin cute!

Kevin Amy Brooke and Kristina

Us

Ben Audrey Elijah Rachel and Tiffany

Lea Ann Kyle Kylea Logan Wes Tanner Conner and Max

Mom and Robyn

After pictures my sister Larae made a DVD starting with my parents as kids, and then as the family grew. It's always an emotional occasion when we see picture's of Dad, we all miss him so much. I know he watches over each of us.

On the last day of our reunion Mom wanted to meet at her house and say a family prayer together. We waited and waited and waited for everyone to get there- my family is not always on time:). It was so great to all be able to kneel down together as a whole family, the spirit was very strong. Mom said she felt Dad close a lot, and that she felt he wanted us to have a prayer together. I loved it! We don't know what will come up in each of our lives over the next year until we are together again, so it was nice to have that opportunity to ask our Heavenly Father for extra blessings and protection.

I love my family! I always say I'm glad I live far away. With distance you can stay out of any drama going on. But with distance also comes the challenges of not seeing each other as often, not being able to go hang out with my sister or sister- in- law when I want. My kids don't get to play with their cousins very often. But I am so glad we have technology. My kids chat with their cousins on the computer they email and call each other. I can call anyone in my family if I need anything. I am so thankful for my family. I am thankful for the examples my parents set for me and all my siblings. I'm thankful for the testimony they helped me gain, then taught me how to strengthen it on my own. Geez, after all these pictures and thinking back- I'm missing them already!!