Rocket Time

Brian and Tawny started a fun family tradition last year. Rockets! 

Brian has 5 or 6 of them, and we all go down to a big field to send them up, and send them up again.  The kids love it!  They all chase the rockets around the field wherever the wind takes it. Each kid wants to be the lucky one to catch it. Some kids care more about catching it than others. (see pictures of Julianna...) Sometimes there are tears shed. But overall, the kids are so interested in the rockets and Brian lets them participate in the process of getting them ready to go. We had perfect weather (all summer it seems!) and this night was very enjoyable. 

Calvin checks out the rocket

other games

Julianna helping

Getting ready for blast-off

Sophy (in the background) was more interested in the latest Eoin Colfer book.

I brought along the parachute that I purchased for my preschool. Fun!

Calli finally found a way in. She always wants to be in the middle of things.

Sisters

Mitchell waits for the rockets

Everyone thought that Julianna had finally caught the rocket (she had been running hard all night to get there first) and we were so excited for her. But as the sisters walked toward us, we saw all the tears. It turns out that Grant caught it one second before she did and then handed it to her. I thought that was pretty nice, but Julianna did not appreciate the gesture.

Grant is a great big brother. I really enjoyed having this kid around.

Poor thing.

But she has such a cute crying face.

Some kids used time in between rocket launches to build this pile of cut grass.

They worked hard to get it this tall.

Tally, Sophia, and me

Now for the little helicopters! 

Calvin was the one who was desperate to catch a helicopter. He cried each time he missed (he's TWO!) and once said, "I can't do anything!" I have never seen such a competitive and determined little 2-year-old. He came close several times!  Finally Tawny picked him up and ran to help him catch a helicopter. Everyone cheered and Calvin beamed.

So many girls at these reunions! I love it!