The Big Weekend--Part 4

 Nat's last night was spent eating her favorite dinner (gyoza, fried rice, and veggies with cheesecake for dessert) and getting in as much time as possible with those cute nieces and nephews of hers. 

 We also had a fun fhe with her and everyone shared a piece of advice. Some classics were "don't forget to go to church" or "wash your clothes" or "just swallow, don't chew". Definitely going to help her out!!

While we were waiting for the stake president to come over to set her apart they snuck in some "just dance".

 While this cutie watched. He is always in this outfit--so hilarious!

 Kathryn helping feed one of the twins while we were waiting.

 Natalie was given a wonderful blessing. It was so neat to listen to the promises made to her and to have most of the family gathered around her. I love that my kids were able to see this and be apart. What an amazing experience.

 And we figured out Seth is the next oldest so he will be the next one to leave on a mission. So crazy!!

 Afterwards there were a few tears,

 some kisses,

 and lots of pictures! Nat with our brothers.

 With the guys who helped set her apart.

 Sisters and sister-in-laws that were able to be there. We were missing two of my sisters but it was so good to be with Natalie and share this wonderful experience with her.

 Early the next morning (I mean early) we woke up (a few of us anyway) and headed to take her to the airport. Here we are waiting for her to go through security. After quite a few tears and a sense of excitement she was off!

 Congrats Nat we are so excited for you and for your adventure!

The Big Weekend--Part 3

 After attending a great sacrament meeting where Nat gave a great talk, all of us headed home to work on more food. Because when the McIntyre's throw a party there is always a ton of food!!

Many, many people came and it was so great to see so many old friends and make new friends.

 This cute boy is my nephew Heston and Kathryn with Natalie. Can you tell she had been playing hard? They loved having so many cousins to be with.

 A few of the many who cam to support Nat.

 Chris and Jen with one of our favorite people--Allan.

Afterwards we were beat! So the rest of the night was spend doing this...and it was great!

 Monday morning was Natalie's last day so between canning more beans all the ladies (and some of the guys snuck in...) had a party in her room.

 We helped her go through all her stuff and get all packed up to leave the next morning. We were all armed with pops, scissors (for cutting off tags), and the lists. Checking and re-checking everything.

That was sure a different experience than when my brothers left but hey girls are just a little bit more put together at this age!

The Big Weekend--Part 2

 Some wonderful people in my parent's stake has made the coolest backyard ever. He has built this wonderful water slide into his hillside. He graciously let my family all come over (we were missing one--Jess we sure missed you!!).

 The kids were in absolute heaven. They slid over and over and over again. They couldn't get enough. They were all super brave and went down at least 50 times. It was so fun to watch them!

Then they discovered they wanted to do trains like the adults. Their faces were awesome coming down so fast. So brave!

 Plus we made the coolest faces too. 

 We loved our trains!

 This is where we all ended at--with some super weggies too!

 The boys thought it was so fun to attack everyone as soon as they came in--some loved it and some did not. Hahaha....

After some serious sliding we took a break for a fun picnic,

 swinging,

 talking,

and just hanging out. These are the newest grandbabies. So cute--Emmett, Elsie, and Ellee.

 And this girl is so cute. We love our Grace!!

 Since we were celebrating Nat's 19th birthday we had Oreo Ice Cream Cake. Love Ryan and Katy's face in this picture. I have a feeling Natalie didn't blow "all" the candles out by herself!

 After everyone was super worn out we headed back to the house to get some work done. Well after some 4 wheeling riding anyway. Natalie spent some last minute aunt time with the girls!

The rest sat here for about 4 hours--that's what happens when you bring 185 pounds of beans. But boy does it go way faster when you have lots of help!!

 My sisters are super crazy--boy love these ladies though!!

Along with beans we prepped food for Nat's open house the next day. My mom and I had some super sore feet by the end of the night. Thank heavens for awesome husbands who rub them!!

The Big Weekend--Part 1

Boy have we been so excited/dreading this weekend. My youngest sister is leaving (left as of yesterday) for her mission.  But along with that we had lots and lots of fun things planned to do with her. 

After making a quick trip to Burley to pick up 185 pounds of green beans and have lunch with my good friend Tara, we loaded up and headed to my parent's house. You should have seen us in our van...we were packed to the roof with beans. We barely fit our kids in!

Our first stop (technically 2nd since we unloaded all the beans first) on the fun weekend train was the Owyhee County Fair.

 Boy is this a tiny one compared to our county. The kids enjoyed looking at the animals (no horses though--Sarah was kinda sad about that!).

 It was super hot so it was nice to be in the barns where there is shade.

 After we saw all the animals we decided to enjoy some super greasy fair food. Last time this happened Sam got food poisoning but thank heavens this time no one got sick. And it was actually pretty good.

Afterwards my dad treated us to some ice cream at a local shop. Boy was that tasty too. 

Then it was back to the house to snap more beans.