Elkins/Millward Cookout

The connection between the Elkins and Millward families goes way, way, way back. I can remember playing at their house in Orange County when I was six or seven. It's amazing that our parents have remained so very involved in each other's lives after all the years and all the moves that both families have made. Now, with children of our own in tow, the Elkins and Millward offspring continue the tradition of association and good times. Whenever I am in California I look forward to seeing them and talking good friends who shared so much of my childhood. 

This time around we had a cookout in my parent's backyard. The kids were happy to run and scream and the adults were happy to relax and chat. 

Our brood of children (minus David and Madison). It appears that Ethan did something to James and Adam was ratting him out. Oh children, children, children. Emily and Emmett appear totally oblivious to the whole thing. 

Emily kept swinging higher and higher until I was sure she was going to fall off or swing all the way around. It must have been a pretty incredible stunt if it made me nervous. 

Aunt Kate swinging the boys. They just adore her and love when she smiles at them as she pushes. 

Happy nephew. 

This is David's response to Aunt Kate coming to save him. I would say he was pretty excited. 

He's pretty impressed with himself.

Kisses from Grandpa. 

Jodie and I. Man, are we getting old. 

What a flirt!

This is my James's "I can't believe that we are doing another activity! I wish I had gotten a nap today" face. Poor baby. It's so hard to be on vacation. 

Cute Emily roasting hotdogs. 

James was very determined to roast his own and did such a good job that I even let him eat it afterwards. 

Caleb got some help from Breanna with his hotdog. The fire was a little hot for him. 

Adam roasted a hotdog but didn't eat it, of course. We probably fed it to one of the dogs. I'm sure they appreciated the care that Adam took to cook it. 

So, so cute.

The kids table. It seems like just yesterday that this was my spot. Weird. 

My tired marshmallow face. 

David had his own sort of picnic that involved cheetos. I would say it was a pretty successful night.