4th of July in Arkansas with extended McKuin clan

From one family reunion to another!  The next weekend found us with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins for a McKuin gathering in Little Rock for the 4th of July.  This has become an annual tradition and most (or all some years) of the cousins venture in from far away places to gather in Arkansas.

Photo disclosure:  Some of the more awesome photos were taken by Sherry or Joel - they generously shared the photos they took and I used several as I'm not always great at capturing all the wonderful moments.  Thanks, Joel and Sherry!

Regan got an early start to the 4th of July by getting up before the sun to participate in the Firecracker 5K with Aunt Vanessa and Uncles Tim and John.  Her first 5K and she did great!

Taking a photo and Tim yells, "There's Vanessa!"

So next photo included the other intrepid runner of the day

Then off to the neighborhood parade - the 39th Annual Never-on-Time 9:00 Hillcrest Neighborhood Parade

The firemen showed up for part of it until they were called away elsewhere.  Jane, Regan, Anna and Meredith are getting into their patriotic spirit and colors

Cousins Maxson and Sena with mom Sherry waiting on the firetruck

Here we are!

Maxson, Uncle Bob, me, Anna

James and Helen - riding in style

How did Cousin Lucy score this ride??

The end of the parade culminates at a school (behind us) and a rousing reading of the Declaration of Independence.  We did note that Cousin Anna and her British husband Ian and  kids didn't make it until the day after.  I think he got tired of hearing the Brits boo-ed in different parts of the reading!

Sena and Maxson

Cousin Lucy's old toy collection from the 80s.  We looked up what these were called but now I can't remember...  She had a lot of them, though (and they were a bigger hit with the adults than the current kid generation!)

Jane took on Bart in chess (and a few other people).  I don't think any of us are big chess champs but she gave several of the adults a good run for their money.  This was a nail biting game and Jane finally took him out at the end.

Flying planes in the front yard

Sena, Anna and Regan

Cousins hanging out on the front porch - not a bad place to be

Dad (aka Poppy) and Lucy

Tim and John

Tomatoes!  Can't get these just picked garden tomatoes in Abu Dhabi.  I eat them like crazy when home for the summer.  Too bad only one of my girls likes tomatoes.

The Barry McKuin clan (only missing Jake)

Sherry

The whole extended McKuin/ Sherman clan

Andrew

Annual swim party at Pleasant Valley

We had *so* much fun trying to catch a ball off the diving board and off the slide.  Vanessa and I learned that we had a hard time catching the ball and remembering to blow out with our noses.  Lots and lots of fun and laughter on this day.  Kids were better ball catchers than the adults!

Social Grandma gets out for all the big events

The last event of the weekend was a milestone birthday celebration for Aunt Mary Ann.  Uncle Bob gave such a lovely and touching tribute to his wife of more than 50 years.  I'm blessed to call them my aunt and uncle!