We left for our Allison Family Reunion on Saturday, June 25th. After meeting up with Spencer and Sheree at our hotel in La Plata and checking in, dropping off Beggar (our cat) and getting her settled in, we all headed north to Chris and Naomi's house in Kirksville for a birthday party. Our niece, Ariel, was celebrating her 3rd birthday. What a great way to start off a family reunion!
As the Allison siblings (plus Sheree) greeted at the door, I grabbed this picture (minus Alma who was still inside).
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Then we ventured inside - the kids immediately loved on Grandma...
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Sheree quickly grabbed William to love on.
A little about William - he will be turning 4 at the end of July. He's a special kid in that he was born at about 24 weeks. He may be little - in May he finally hit the 1%ile for size but he's strong, healthy, and extremely active. And being Naomi's son, I'm sure he's strong-willed and independent. Fortunately, he's also very eager to be a helper around the house - his favorite is helping with dishes.
Two of the girls decided to take a ride on Grandpa.
Here's another view - it's Rebekah and Ariel.
We ventured outside to have a little more room. Alma immediately grabbed a spot on the rocker.
The boys and "boys" got a basketball game going. Chris was mighty impressed with the skill of his brothers-in-law. Adam showed off his moves and Spencer proved he could dunk (with the bruises to prove it).
The girls decided just to run around.
These two - Morgan and Rebekah - were born just a month apart. They get to see each other every other year for a few days but yet they are immediately best friends each time.
This is little Hannah exploring the gravel in the driveway.
Daniel, Rebekah and Morgan played tag, an unofficial version.
We then all headed inside to celebrate Miss Ariel's 3rd Birthday.
She didn't cooperate with blowing out the candle so Morgan was trying to instruct her.
She thought she could stare down the candle, though.
Finally, she got the idea but still needed her Mom's help.
After cake and ice cream, it was back outside. Some of the kids kicked a ball into the neighbor's yard. Spencer and Hannah retrieved it for them.
Then it was back inside for presents.
This pink purse is from Grandma Allison. Ariel carried this around at Church the next day and all over Nauvoo. Grandma picked a great present.
We just couldn't separate these two. You'll notice that as I continue blogging about the reunion.
