Wheeler Family Reunion

We went on a summer getaway recently to Northern California. Collin and I are both from the Sacramento area and felt like we should take a trip to see our families, especially before the baby comes. We were there for almost two weeks, from June 28th-July 10th. At first, I was worried about traveling, because I was sick during the first trimester of my pregnancy. Luckily, second trimester has been going a lot better and I made it through our flights.

Collin's side of the family put together a Wheeler reunion. We got see his parents, siblings, niece and nephew, grandpa, aunts and uncles, cousins, and 2nd cousins. Since the Wheeler side is HUGE, I am still to this day trying to remember who is who. The reunion was mostly to honor Collin's grandpa Les Wheeler and what a legacy he is. We also made time for my side of the family and Collin's grandma and uncle on his mom's side.

The first few days were spent with my family. We mainly just got together and ate good food, played games, went swimming, and had plenty of time to catch up. We got to meet our newest nephew, Everett who is now 4 months old. He is so sweet, cuddly, and has made me twice as baby hungry. :)  

The next few days were with Collin's immediate family. Collin got to go skydiving for the first time with his dad and brothers! It was a father's day present for his dad. They are all lucky. I wish I could go skydiving, but being pregnant might make that a little hard... We went to Lincoln to watch them skydive. If you see a very tiny white dot in the sky, you know that it was them. Collin was the first to jump out of the plane. Overall, he said he loved it. It was the most thrilling thing he has ever done. He said he would definitely do it again. Maybe I will join him next time.

Of course, what's a trip to California without going to the beach?? I was happy we got to go, especially before we have our baby! We drove down to San Jose to stay the night at a hotel. The next day, we went to the Santa Cruz beach. The weather was perfect for a day at the beach. I was glad we could escape the heat from the Sacramento area and head to the West Coast where it was much cooler. We loved playing around at the beach and just overall relaxing. We got pretty sun burnt despite all the sunscreen we used. I mostly got burned on my hands and feet. My hands got the worst of it. We left the beach and made a quick stop at Marianne's Ice Cream. I think it's become a tradition to stop there. It's a cute little shop with over 100 flavors! We love it.

The Wheeler family reunion started on the 4th of July and ended on the 8th.  On the 4th, we went to a pool party at Collin's aunt and uncle's place. We enjoyed outdoor games, seeing some of Collin's relatives, and eating BBQ. We got to squeeze in some time with my family by looking at fireworks and playing with sparklers. 

During the next few days of the reunion, we went to Folsom Lake, did some water activities, played games, ate lots of food, took family pictures, sang songs around the campfire, had a talent show (Collin performed using his bull whip), and remembering the stories of Grandpa Les. It was so fun and great to see so many people come out for the reunion.

As it came closer to go home, I couldn't help but get teary-eyed. It could just be pregnancy hormones, but I also had so many feelings go through me all at once. I was really going to miss my family. I don't know when we will all be together again since we are having our baby in October. Since it's close to the holidays, we may have to stay in Texas during that time to adjust to parenthood. I couldn't be more grateful to have my family and to marry into such a wonderful family. I can't wait to show our daughter just how amazing they all are.

On the plane. Baby's getting bigger...

Meeting sweet Everett for the first time

 He's going to be such a good daddy.

 Selfie with my sis.

I had to sneak in a quick selfie with my funny, adorable niece Abbey.

 My mom, sis, and I at the Fountains in Roseville. Love these girlies!

 

This cracks me up. I had to post this one of Abbey photo-bombing. :D

After Collin went skydiving. Now we can frame the certificate.

Since the boys went skydiving, the girls got their toe nails done.

At the beach!

 Collin hanging with our nephew Asher. Love this pic!

 I think he's trying to look manly... Haha.

 Lila cheesin' for the camera.

 Having too much fun

 Love his facial expression. Pure excitement!

Siblings. Asher really wanted to play.

Showing off the bump

Happy momma at the beach.

Playing with sparklers on the 4th.

 We made some time to go through the Sacramento Temple.

Celebrating Kelsey's birthday!

Cooling off at Folsom Lake

 Family Pictures

 You might be wondering why our shirts say "Moonlight Patrol." It was a club Collin's grandpa attended when he was in high school.

All the ladies who are expecting this year! We missed Mikaela, my sister-in-law, who is expecting a baby BOY in November!

Grandpa Les is a World War II veteran. He was telling a story of how he got the American flag. What a legacy! We made some great memories at the reunion. Until next time!