Fantastic Family Weekend!

We just came back from Idaho! It was so awesome to see everyone; siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews and parents. In the picture to the left is (l-r) Eric and Michelle Alberdi, Nan and Jed Kelsey, Mom and Dad Kelsey, Natalie Kelsey, Beau and Season Kelsey, and Cassondra and Jake Kelsey and their girls. :D We didn't get a photo with Autumn and Cory Rodriguez and Jen Kelsey and James Sommers, unfortunately, but hopefully next time we'll get one. (Autumn was a very cute pregnant gal! Looking forward to photos in November, Autumn!) Here's a picture of all the little cousins: This is Aidan Kelsey, Stockton Alberdi, Michael Kelsey, Loren Kelsey, Abby Kelsey, Brielle Kelsey, Allena Kelsey, and Brooklyn Kelsey. They all had tons of fun, especially the girls. They played non-stop, mostly dress-up, and we had a big party for Abigail's birthday. Season's parents loaned us their pony for all the kids (and Cassondra!) to ride.

We did some majorly fun stuff while we were out there, too. Some of our activities included shooting (yes, Darth Mommy with an assault rifle is a VERY scary thing.) , flying, canoeing,
and going to the dedication of the new Twin Falls Idaho Temple.

That was a simply amazing experience. The choir was heavenly and it was so comforting being in the temple with so many family members. We even got to see President Monson! He looked so healthy and happy. As he was leaving, we saw him speaking in Samoan to a Samoan family outside the temple. I was able to snap a few pictures of him but nothing without other people in the shot. It is so amazing to have a living prophet on the earth in these confusing and troubling times. He really gives wonderful direction and peace to the Church and us individually.

Here are some more fun family photos:

Abby and Grandma Kay with baby Faith. Faith gets called Faith by her father and Ella by her mother, which leaves the rest of us confused but gives the baby a ton of nicknames to choose from. I decided to call her Baby Faith Ellabellabeans. It made her laugh.

Here's Season, Michelle, Cassondra, me, and Natalie. Natalie better get married soon so we don't keep having the same name. ;) Right now we keep it straight by me being Nan and her being Nat.
Three men and a grumpy lady. Here's the handsome Kelsey Brothers, Jed Jake and Beau. And of course Brielle, who was upset to be leaving (who can blame her?! We were all sad to leave.) Lets be honest, though. I did get the best looking brother. And the one with the most hair.


Poster children for the NRA. Yes, all three of them (Austen, Jed and Nat) are aiming for the same clay pigeon. I have to say, I was impressed with everyone's aim. No one but the pigeons were blown to bits. Aidan's aim could use some work. He also needs more muscles before he can hold the rifle on his own.



This is some weird version of the Idaho Tailless Squirrel. At least, Jed said it was a squirrel. I think it's an alien. Where's the rifles when you need them?!
Goofy girls Abigail, Allena, and Brielle. What lovely little princesses! :D And so well behaved.

After we left our family (reluctantly) and arrived safely in Massachusetts (also reluctantly) I went through with my plan to get my hair cut to donate to Locks of Love. Following the good example of my beautiful daughter and sister-in-law Cassondra, I got 12 inches cut yesterday. And for fun, put in some blonde streaks as well. What do you think?



Hope you enjoyed our photo blog from our trip! If you think that was a lot of pictures....let me just tell you, I nearly filled a 4 gig memory card. ;) Betcha just can't wait til the Christmas one, huh?