ERICKSON FAMILY VACA

Happy Anniversary to the wonderful grandparents who started this family 50 Years ago!!! To celebrate this amazing milestone with them almost the whole family of 43 gathered together at Moose Manner in Island Park, ID (about 30 miles from West Yellowstone, MT) for a weekend of fun.

Canoeing The River

Jessica safely buckled in between my parents and so happy not to be in a car seat
Uncle Casey, the newest family addition Spencer, and Justin who loved on that baby ALL weekend

Sister Riki Lee and Me

Sisters Ryanne and Amber

Grandad Scott, Grandma Karen and Justin. Justin had a great time and said things like "coming on hot" when they were about to pass you and once Amber and Josh passed them and was chanting we're #1 we're #1...Justin not to be discouraged chimed in We're #2, we're #2!!
Our boat had a little leaking but didn't delay us any. Older sisters always know how to work the system so it ended up being me paddling in front, chad paddling in back with Jessica in his lap and Riki kicking it in the middle enjoying the ride

The water was not warm at all!!!

FuN In GaMes

There was a "Survivor" themed baby shower for Spencer (and parents). So of course there would be a little kid worm eating contest. Some kids shoved the whole bowl in there mouth at once....Justin downed them one at a time with a little help from Jessa...and won!!!

Chad played the daddies drink from a bottle game. And not to be out smarted (he is pretty resourceful) or out done.. on the word "go" he pulled out his pocket knife, slit the top and beat out the competition. Way to represent!!!!

Justin in a relay race

Jessa and my brother Josh

RoAsTiNg MaRsHmAlLoWs

Justin and his cousins...well, my cousins...got along so great and had so much fun playing together.

Yummy!

HaWaIi 5-0

It was my Moms 50th birthday and since my Dad was surprising her with a trip to Hawaii we surprised her with a Luau party. 3 of the 5 of us kids were able to stay in West Yellowstone an extra day to celebrate her birthday. And all though the surprise was leaked out...we won't say by who...with in an hour of the party we all still had a great time...and she still cried.

The cousins waiting for Grandma. Justin, Spencer and Jessa

Here is her Surprise face...she acted very well!

Realizing she gets to go to Hawaii....AND dive with the sharks (gift from all the kids) Yikes!

My family has been to Yellowstone so many times I couldn't count. But this was my kids first time.

Grandad and Justin looking at the paint pots.


Waiting for Old Faithful to go off.

Old Faithful and Ice Cream...can't beat that!!

Doesn't everything seem bigger when you are a little kid. Justin thought it was pretty great
Jessica wasn't sure about the smelly spray that came our way.

4 days in the car for only 4 days to see family is a little exhausting but we are so glad we were able to go and spend time with them all.