FAMILY REUNION, PART I

Last week we traveled to Arizona for the Brewer family reunion.  I grew up going to AZ at least once a year, but G and I were on our honeymoon when my family went last so I had been really looking forward to this reunion and having him meet the rest of the fam.  (He went to AZ for my cousin's wedding with me before we were engaged.) I love cousins!!!! I love the strength and love that I feel from my extended family. It is so tangible.  This is a tribute to the best bunch of cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents out there! Go Brewers!

 ^^ We often fly out of Atlanta because it is usually much cheaper. 

The bright side is a car ride with my honey. ^^

^^ I didn't get a photo of our take-off from Atlanta, but trust me

 when I say it looks quite different than the Arizona desert! ^^

We drove from Phoenix to Snowflake with my sister, brother-in-law and niece.  Since we had some time to kill, we decided to walk around the new Gilbert temple that we've heard so much about.  And since my niece is obsessed with temples, we knew she would like it! It is breathtaking!

 ^ Look at that cute baby bump! ^

^Stunner shades.^

^^ Megan, Chris, & Ashlyn ^^

I know I just posted ten thousand pics from walking around the temple, but I couldn't help it.  It was gorgeous!! Megan also took the opportunity to point out a cactus on the grounds and teach Ashlyn not to touch them in AZ. ;)  The drive to Snowflake was sure entertaining with this cute girl too!

 ^^ The Snowflake temple after our family session.  It was such a neat experience 

to be in there with so much extended family! ^^

 ^^ At our talent show, Grandad taught us all how to speak "Horse Latin" like he and his 

gradeschool friends did.  He is just the cutest! ^^

^^ Gordy caught a horny toad! ^^

^^ Suprisingly, Nicole wanted to hold it! Also, congrats Nicole and Riley on YOUR ENGAGEMENT!

We are so excited for you two!!! Also, nice photobomb Dad!^^

^^ G named him Horny....he would. ;) ^^

 ^ We also went mountain boomer hunting! And these lizards

are crazy fast!! I love how they blend into the desert. ^

 "Blowing off bedtime" for some of the cousins at Sonic, of course!

 ^^ G and I just kept remarking on how beautiful the desert is.  

We love us some Saguaro cacti! ^

^^ hahahahahaha just laugh with me at this super intense pic of me during a family kickball game.

We take our family games VERY seriously! ^^

 And it wouldn't be a family reunion without some shooting!

 G was in heaven with all the different guns Uncle Pete let us try out! Thanks Uncle Pete!!

 ^^ He's a hottie, he's a hottie...^^

 ^^ Dude, this gun. ^^

^ G being cute and helping the younger cousins.  I love him! ^

 ^ Clearly Gangsta ^

^^Their matching shirts with their names embroidered on them killed me. ^^

^^ Cutest little Madeline! (Yes, I sneaked this during church because

how could I not?!)  She was saying my name all week and I just loved the sound of "Bee-bell!"

^^ And we'll finish this post off with a blurry picture of the two who started it all, 

Grandad and Grandma Brewer.  ^^

My Grandad is the one who sealed Gordy and I, and I'll forever be grateful for that memory and experience.

I look up to these two more than they'll ever know.

I hope to be just like them someday. 

We love our family and can't wait to see everyone so soon!