Payneful Reunion

For those of you who don't know, Rus's dad Roger is one of twelve children, nine of whom are still living. So when you get nine Payne siblings together, the result is chaos and good food. :) We had somewhere around 175 people at the reunion this past Saturday. Nobody had seen anybody else for years, so we were supposed to wear nametags. Rus's said "who cares" and his brother's name tag said "the good looking son of Roger Payne". Rus was embarrassed that I wanted to wear one with my actual name on it. He said it meant that I must be one of the "good" cousins. It was fun meeting Rus's cousins and aunts and uncles. The kids got to play on those big inflatable jumpers, and Rus brought a water bottle-rocket launcher for entertainment too. Mainly the whole event centered around the food, with breakfast, lunch and dinner being provided (I think so that nobody felt the need to eat the next day). All of Rus's siblings were able to come, and three of us girls had just had babies in the last eight weeks. It was fun comparing the babies, mine being the chunkiest and Carla's getting the nickname "Pipsqueak". Rus told Bekah that Katie's baby's name was "Chicka Chicka Slim Sadie", so she called her that most of the day. Here's some fun pics in no particular order (with the caption above each pic):

Rus's sister Emily and sister-in-law DeAnn striking their super sexy poses. Oo la la!! (DeAnn's holding Beau.)

Rus's mom's mother Grandma Windham holding Beau. She sat in her chair and occupied herself holding grand babies. (There were three to go around.) If one got taken away, she'd yell for another. :) Jacob holding Beau. Happy brothers! (Do you like the latest artwork on Beau's cast? Rus has been begging me to draw a shoe. Next he wants an argyle sock. We'll see. :)
Rus's aunt Mary holding Beau. We love Clay and Mary and were so happy that they could come visit and hold our kids. Mary got to snuggle a sleeping Beau a couple of times, and Bekah sat on her lap throughout the whole sacrament meeting yesterday. She calls her Grandma Mary and is just tickled pink that she has so many grandmas.
Rus, Keri and Beau, Tom, Mary, Clay, and John. Tom and John just came to hold our kids and go shooting with Rus. Beau really enjoyed drooling on Tom and giving John's arms a good workout. We were so happy they came and we took good care of them in hopes that they'll visit again sometime!
Keri and Beau, Katie and Sadie, Carla and Alden. Beau is 8 weeks, Sadie is 7 weeks, and Alden is 2 weeks. With DeAnn on the left and Emilee on the right. DeAnn is expecting a baby in March. Rus's parents were very grateful that she gave them a little more time before they'd have to welcome a new grand baby! Man, what is in the water down here?!!These babes are going to be the best of friends (as long as Beau doesn't roll over and smash one of them before they get the chance!)
And on another note, this is how we've been enjoying our Labor Day...cleaning out our new pop-up! Actually it's really a family pop-up. Rus's dad got it from Louise's brother and is letting us fix it up and keep it at our house. We are so excited to have it and we're already planning our first trip!Bekah loved playing house in the pop-up and she's just as excited to take it out as we are!

And to end on a happy note...