Ashcroft Family Reunion

Alright... When I say family reunion, I really mean family reunion.  Like extended family, not immediate ;)  Sorry fellow Cranes, I just can't get over that!  Love you all though :)

Each time the Ashcroft family gets together for a reunion, one specific family is in charge.  This year it just so happened that it was my family's turn!  Mom and Dad did an amazing job of putting everything together!  I know it was a ton of work for them and I want them to know how much I, for one, appreciated it!  The theme was very appropriate for this particular summer... THE OLYMPICS!  We all had a great time participating in the games, eating great food, and socializing (of course).

Unfortunately for me, it also happened to be the Cache County Fair and I had to work during the first part of the reunion.  The family met at the Logan Aquatic Center at 12:30, and the games began!  There was diving, 400m freestyle relay swim, and speed sliding.  No synchronized swimming unfortunately, but we made up for that later ;)

After the Aquatic Center, everyone met at a park for more games and dinner.  We kicked off the games with the Opening Ceremony!  Each family was assigned a country, and we paraded around the park with the flags as the Olympic theme was played.

 China (we were encouraged to dress up).  Some of us outdid the others ;)

 ESPANA!  We all had sweet hats and mustaches.  Yeah, we looked good ;)

 France was missing a good chunk of her team for most of the day (And by "good chunk" I mean she was the only one there at first).  They had another reunion that day also.  But that certainly didn't stop her!

 And Germany.  They win the award for the best costumes, I think ;)

We also enjoyed Creamies.  Mmmmm

 Love these babies!!!!!!!

Next, each family sang their country's national anthem!  Yes, we really did this.  And yes, it was hilarious!

 Poor aunt Linda had to sing all alone.  But that didn't stop her from rockin' in!  Even if it wasn't the right song ;)

Next we were back to the events!  Each little family in my big family (not the big big family, just the big family - got it?) was in charge of putting together one event.

We started off with Rhythmic Gymnastics!

 

 

 Team Spain killed it... in case you can't tell ;)  We chose only our very best dancers!

And my cute, cute grandma.  Love her! :)

Next up was the balance beam!  This activity was just for kids.

They were some seriously awesome tricks ;)

Next was the Equestrian Event!  I was in charge of this one, and I found some pretty sweet props!  Garden fences from the DI - $4, sticks for the horses, also from the DI - $1/each, PVC Pipe (DI) - $2 total.  I would call that pretty economical if I do say so myself!  I borrowed the "river" and flowers from my parents.  This was a team relay event.  Each member had to clear the fence, water feature, hurdle, and race around a cone and back.

 Look at my mom gettin' some air!

Next up was the 400 M Relay.  Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of this event because I was in the race.  Each team member had to carry two bars of wet soap in their hands, run down to the end of the track and back, and exchange "batons" with the next member.

Next was the "discus"!  So so funny!

 The objective was obviously to get the most cheese puffs to stick to the team members head.  We tied for first in this event with exactly 40 puffs.

Elliet's face was cracking me up!  She did not like it one bit :)

Next was the "cycling" event.

 Uncle Dee was trying to run Nicole and Charley off course!  Cheater! ;)

And last but certainly not least, was human foosball.  It is set up just like real foosball, with each team member linked to the other team members in their same position.  I, of course, totally nailed a little cousin in the head.  She took it like a champ though!

After the completion of the events was dinner and socializing!

Next came the awarding of the medals!

 Great job ma and pa!

 After the medals were awarded, the closing ceremonies continued with the introduction of the Olympic Mascot - The Shike-poke!

The Shike-poke knows all things.  If you ask him any yes or no question he will be able to tell you the answer by lifting up his right foot for "yes" and his left for "no"

 This year the Shike-poke was asked lots of funny questions, but my favorite of all was, "Will Brigham and Jer ever be on time to a family reunion?"  The shike-poke was really nice and said yes, but I have my doubts ;)

The Closing Ceremonies ended with a bang!  A rockin' fireworks show!  And by that I meant the little ones got to do sparklers ;)

We really had a grand old time!  It's always fun when we get to see our cousins and spend some good quality time together.  My Grandparents really do have some amazing children and grandchildren.  And they are the way they are because of the amazing example that has been set by G&G Ashcroft.  We love them a bunch and I am so thankful for all they've done for this family!  And thanks again, Mom and Dad for all the hard work.  It was a blast for sure!