Ten action packed, sun filled, amazingly fun days and eves with the McLaughlin clan left us all a little tanner and a LOT more full of the feeling of love that only family can give you.
We kicked the trip off with three of the kids locking themselves in the upstairs bedroom with a door that had a broken lock and the hinges on the inside... when the dads and then maintenance woman couldn't get it open with bobby pins, actual tools, etc., one of the panicked moms on the scene (yours truly) insisted that we call the fire department. Needless to say, Lance was the only child bawling his eyes out while Millie was making good use of the en suite bathroom, and William was doing his best to follow instructions with doors and windows. Minutes after we finally made a dramatic rescue with Uncle Jeff climbing up a very tall ladder (panicked mom on his heels) and unscrewing the doorknob to get us out... the Hawaii fire department arrived!!! just seconds too late! :) Les managed to get a couple of pics, but somehow neglected to get any of the heroes in uniform... shucks.
The next morning five of us competed in the Hapuna Beach mile swim.
From there, it was lots more swimming, family dinners, cousin time, baseball, ukuleles, sand, pool, hot tubs, snacks, lacrosse, toys, boards, watching fish, drinks, rodeos, turtles, pool, scooters, naps, chats, sisters, brothers, books, chalk, goggles, bikes, and fun.
I do realize that many families would never even consider ten straight days together. For me, it is something that I spend all year looking forward to. It was extra special this year because Lance was finally part of the "crew" and could keep up with all his big cousins without skipping a beat. Kiran was his usual happy, go with the flow self and loved all the attention he got from his aunties, uncles and cousins (as long as "MAMA" was within arms reach)...
I took lots, but not enough pics. Bear with the mini photo album- it seems the blog is the only one I have going these days...
after dinner sports time...
Cousins...
Jam sessions...
smoothies, breakfasts and dinners together...
Time with Pops and Elisi...
The Waimea 4th of July Rodeo
and lots and lots and lots of beach and pool...
Thanks to Pops and Elisi for hosting the family get together! The Harmelings went back to Hilo grateful for the family time and looking forward to the next reunion!
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