Griffiths Family Reuinion 2012

Dear Charlie,

You are so blessed to have a family that makes an effort to all get together. I feel closer to the Griffiths extended family than I do to my own because they have a family reunion every other year where your Great-Grandmother, Nana Griffiths, and her nine children and their families all try to plan a few days of fun together. This year we were very fortunate that the reunion happened to be planned in Vista where your Nana and Papa live, and it is nice and close to us. Your Dad had to work, but I took you and Charlie because I wanted you to be able to play with your cousins, and I was excited to meet all of the new babies (Devin, Lena, and Liam).

We arrived at the reuinion on Wednesday, August 8th just before lunch. Your Papa decided to take everyone to Upper Crust Pizza. We all thought he was crazy for wanting to eat at the restaurant with 9 children under 5, but we went along with it to please Papa, and you all did very well. Later that evening we spent some time at the campsite where the whole Griffiths clan was staying.  They had a park at the campsite where your cousins Reese and Adelyn pushed you in the swing.  You loved it!

The next day we all went to Mission Bay. I was worried this whole week about how I was going to be able to watch you and Ella with so many other little ones around, but everyone helped out, and we had a great time.  You mostly hung out under the shade, but you still managed to get a sunburn on your back.  I felt so bad, but you took it like a champ.  (I'm so sorry, but I didn't get any pictures of you at the bay.  We'll have to go again and get pics.)

Friday was beach day, and you LOVED the beach.  I thought you would just spend most of the day trying to eat the sand, which you did eat your fair share of, but your favorite part was standing with me in the water and letting the waves crash over your feet.  You would get so happy every time the waves would come.  It makes me so happy that you and your sister love the water so much.  After all of the fun you had been having, you finally fell asleep, and you slept under the shade for several hours.  I find the sound of crashing waves relaxing too.

Saturday was the last day of the reuinion, and we all had a pool party at your Nana and Papa's house. You had fun splashing in the water, but you only wanted me to hold you and you did not want to sit in any of the baby floaties.  I held you most of the time and let you splash in the shallow end.

Your cousin Tyler getting ready to make a splash

Auntie Kari and her boyfriend Alec

Auntie Alex and Uncle Kurt enjoying the sun

Before we left, we took some pictures of all the Griffiths grandchildren together.  You were so happy most of the time, but by the end of the photo session all of the kids were a little grouchy.  The first picture is my favorite because it shows how much you love your little cousin Liam and what a happy little guy you are.  The other two are ones that your Aunt Alex took, so they are much better quality.

We had to leave that night so that we could be home for church in the morning, but we had a wonderful time. I really appreciate all of the hard work that goes into planning these reunions. So far, I have been able to just show up and enjoy the festivities, and I hope to be able to continue to attend in this fashion. We are so blessed to be part of such a large, close-knit family. I am proud to wear the name Griffiths . . . most of the time.

Love,
Mom