Cousin Time

Every year I question the wisdom of spending a full month away from home. But the kids have so much fun spending time with their cousins. We miss them so much the rest of the year.

This week we went to Las Vegas to watch my nieces, twins Lauryn and Clara, and nephew, Cameron, while my sister, Tiffani, was at girls' camp. The kids loved spending all day every day in the pool.

Tiffani left the kids some fun pool toys. Jalen got a shark fin.

And the girls all got mermaid fins.

On Tuesday, we went to see Despicable Me 3 (I only slept through a little bit of it).

After the movie, we went to 7-Eleven for free slurpees on 7/11.

Wednesday, we went to a cookie/slushie place called Pop. (Tiffani is big on treats and left us money to get some. Jalen says visiting her is like going to Candyland.)

We played games.

And just relaxed in the pool.

I could have stayed forever, but on Friday, my mom, Jalen and I left to go watch some of my family members compete in the San Rafael Triathlon in Huntington, Utah. I left Baylie in Vegas to spend time with the twins and go to a volleyball camp. It was hard to leave her, but she was excited to stay with the twins.

We got to see my brother, Clark's family. We hadn't seen them yet this trip. My brother Scott's family was there as well.

Lily, Jonny and Riley

My great nephew, William

Nixon and Jalen - best buds

The triathletes - Clark, Molly and Scotty

William again - such a cutie!

William with Uncle Riley

The triathlon started bright and early at 6:30 a.m. I actually did the swim leg of the triathlon a couple of years ago. Being there made me want to do it again. I guess I better start training.

My brothers Clark and Scott did the olympic distance, which means their race was twice as long a the normal (sprint) distance. Molly, my niece, did the sprint distance.

Clark

Scotty

Molly and Grammy

Clark

Scotty

Molly

Clark

Scotty

Scott in transition

Clark - he started the triathlons and gradually others in the family have joined him

Scott

Molly - I completely missed her on the bike

The cheer squad

Some of Clark's girls - Ashley, Dianne and Molly

Clark

Scott

Scott's wife, Beth, joined him for part of the second lap

Clark at the Finish line

All done!

Our family was well represented. Molly, who is only 14, won the women's 18 and younger division.

Scott and Clark took first in their age divisions as well and Clark was second overall and Scott was 11th. I seriously have the coolest family!

After the adults race, they do a separate race for the kids. My nephew, Jonny, took 10th.

I missed most of the kids' race because I was watching these hooligans.

Nixon, Ava and Jalen

And here are some miscellaneous photos from the weekend.

Rowan and Grammy

Rowan and Grandad

Moon at midday

Race site

Molly & Lily bringing in the paddle boards

When we got back, we found that my dad had painted the back doors. this is something my mom has wanted done for four years so she was very excited. They look awesome.

I love my family.