July 2011

There's a joke in our Baldwin family that we don't need reunions because we see each other frequently. While that's true for those of us who live close by, it's easy to see months and months slip by when we don't see each other. In fact, besides this two day reunion, all nine siblings and my parents don't get together- all together- all year. So, it's a big deal to make it happen. It takes effort and some sacrifices, but I think my parents deserve to have all of their kids together for at least a few days.

So, the Nick and Susan Baldwin reunion was held on the third week in July this year in Blackfoot. We spent most of our time at my parent's home. It was a fun time. Our kids LOVED it.  I was in charge of planning it with the help of creative Amber.  The 1st day we went to Jensen's Grove in Blackfoot.  Nikki and Bruce brought their wave runners and we had so much fun!  The kids played and played in the sand.  After many hours at Jensen Grove, we went back to my parents house and played more games. We were excited to find out that Ashley & Damien were expecting #5 in Feburary 2012!  We also had a Baldwin Rodeo.  The kids had a blast!  My Dad always makes it fun with his announcer skills and games.  Later that night we had a pioneer night.  This a tradition when I was growing up that every 24th of July all the Baldwins would get together for a pioneer night.  We decided to do this same tradition with the Nick and Susan family.  We all dressed up as pioneers, square danced, ran races, and told the story of The Red Shawl.  It was such a fun weekend.  We are all(well most of us)excited to spend time together and make memories. 

Jace, Mallory, Mckenna, Madelyn and Sprout at the Baldwin Rodeo!  We love this horse.  Jace has had this horse since he was 4 yrs old, but we owe a big thanks to Grandpa Baldwin who has taken care of the horse since we moved to Blackfoot.  We are glad we can share this pony with all the grandkids!

Love this picture of all the Baldwin Boys(not stockton or spencer).  They are such good boys.  Eventhough Jace doesn't have any brothers, the boys are almost like brothers. 

The schedule for the 2 days of fun!

Red Shawl Story!

Jace roping a cow at the Baldwin Rodeo.  He did rope it, but I think he lost his rope. :}

Trivia night after Jensen Grove.

Running races for the men.  I think there was a five way tie!

Tug a war

Fun in the Sand at Jensen's Grove.

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We couldn't get my dad in a swimsuit, but he did go on the wave runners with Mom in his jeans and cowboy boots.

At the end of July, we were excited to go to Lagoon.  It was kind of a combanition of Jace's birthday and Trena and Tresa's families were also going.  We hadn't been to Lagoon in years, so they were exteremly excited.  Mallory loved the rides(just like her momma!) She  wanted to go on all the big rides but she wasn't quite tall enough. Jace on the other hand, didn't like the big rides at all.  I talked him into going on the Collases with me and he aboustely hated it and almost hyperventaled!(just like his dad) McKennna was a little nervous at first but as long as someone was riding with her she was fine.  Madelyn didn't want to go on the rides and we had to force her to go on them, but by the time the ride was done we had to force her off! It was a fun day!  We stayed until it closed and drove home.  The kids were exhausted and slept the whole way home.

McKenna loved the Merry go round. 

Mallory was excited to ride the rides with her cousin, Abbie.

Jace and McKenna riding the rides.  McKenna was so glad to have her big brother with her so she didn't get scared.

Jace was so nice to ride with Mac.  He is pretty big for that car!

In July our primary had the privilage of having Marvin Goldstien come and do sharing time for our ward.  Our primary choirster is really good friends with him.  He was doing a concert in Blackfoot the night before.  It was truly amazing!  Our primary kids have never been so quiet and listened to every word.  He had some amazing songs and stories he told.  It will be something our primary kids  will never forget! We felt so blessed that he took time to come share his amazing testimony with us. 

Marvin Goldstien chose Jace to sing while he played piano.

Marvin Goldstien playing the piano.  He is really amazing!

He had Joy Love come with him as well (I think that was her name)She had an amazing voice.  Whenever she sang she gave me chills.  Seriously Amazing.

Our Jr.pimary

Jace loves 4-H!  His leader Shiela Tibbets is a great teacher and motivator for him.  This year he rode River.  He has progressed each year.  This year for his project he showed his clas how to rope.  Jace really enjoys horsed and roping!(not sure where he gets that from!)

Jace is lucky to have such great neighbors.  The Hyde kids are part of his 4-H club. 

Madelyn is totally obessed with horses.  She can ride for hours and still cries when she has to get off!