Hayes Reunion

We took a well-worth it drive down to Beaumont again. James and I almost didn't go down this past weekend because we've been down twice this month already. Something about miles, gas, time sitting in the car, I dunno... but luckily we headed down anyway! It was an awesome reunion with the Hayes family, and we're so glad we made it.
Mom got a big dutch oven (the kind you cook with inside because who wants to cook outside in this heat), so we put it to use on Pioneer Day. She pre-made some delicious chocolate cake in it and made some mouth watering southern style pork. Thank you, Emeril and Mom!
Mom also prepared a little family "trek" in the house for us complete with songs with visuals, a pioneer day vs. modern day memory game, ancestor stories, and laminated paper shoes. Where does she come up with this stuff? Well, I asked her, and she said, "Have you seen my back room filled with books?" Oh ya. Not to mention all the costumes she had lying around.

I liked the trek in the AC better than the one I did in Utah.

Eva & Bella wanted some paper shoes like the big kids.

The Hayes Company

Oh, and how could I forget? James found a personal baby ox to take him around. He yoked Bella, and she turned him round and round on the pink chair. What a deal for James and Cerra because Bella thought she was the one getting the ride with her constant "weeeee" sounds.

The main event of the weekend was the Hayes family reunion out in Vidor. We celebrated with all of the posterity of Wade and Vivian Hayes, my dad's parents, who are 94 and 91 years young. What amazing people. Our matching t-shirts showed the family tree.

more to come...

I'm so glad we made it down for the celebration because it was great to see family and it was over the top! My aunt, mom, and cousins don't do things any other way though. We had a yummy pot luck dinner and TONS of entertainment. It was the best dance/music recital I've seen! The great grandkids practiced the dance numbers for a couple days under Tamra's direction, Aunt Rachel sewed costumes until she got sick, and a lot of other family members contributed.
James and I sat back and were able to just enjoy it. I didn't anticipate taking much video, but I had my camera there, so I got a few clips of some of the numbers.

Little girl princess beauty pageant

Matt's family's song to G-ma & G-pa

And for some reason, I can't get all my video clips to download, but Nat & Jeff have them on theirs. There were a lot of performances, and they were all very entertaining!
Everyone worked so hard to show Grandma and Grandpa Hayes that we love them. They've started a great legacy, and I feel lucky to be part of their family.

On Sunday, Grandpa gave a talk in the Vidor ward, so most of the family came to hear his message. It may as well be called his King Hayes Address. I took notes this time because I didn't want to forget what he said, and I want to be able to share it with my kids. They're amazing people! I loved being able to spend time with them, my cousins, and my immediate family. It's always hard to leave though. Now, we just can't wait for our family trip coming up in August!