Baggett family reunion

Grandpa Ray, Grandma Sue and our foursome drove down to Teague, Texas for the Baggett family reunion. I think there were less people than last year, but more travelers from afar. Our grands flew from NY, grandpa's Ray brother, wife and one son came from Wyoming and his other brother came from Houston. The only sibling not there this time was their sister from Houston. It was good to see so many again and see how the kids had grown. Dominique was passed around by the great-grand generation like a supreme prize to hold and cherish. She was once again the youngest of the bunch and beloved as the baby of the bunch.

Last year we drove down and back home in a day, but this year we were totally spoiled. The grands had rented a comfy van and got us a room at a posh hotel with a pool that we swam in both nights. It was warm enough, but also had a hot tub, so we'd go from one to the other. It also had waterfalls and one night we were joined by a frog that took a particular liking to Brian. I've had snowy birthdays, but this is the first time I've swum outside so close to my birthday.

Grandma Sue took these cool videos of us in the pool. I think it's beautiful how the lights reflect off Dominique's legs. You can really see her swimming. She decided it was time to learn how to float too. She is very daring (one of her middle names is Courage and she sure lives up to it). There was a seat in the hot tub and she learnt that she would go under the water when she walked off of it. So, for her second time, she ran off with gusto and held her breath!


Grandma and Grandpa seem to be trying to make up for not getting to be here all the time. She is on a mission to fill the clothes closets and toy boxes and book shelves. Ivan has been getting a book a day since they got here. We've already hit several stores, getting paints for Ivan's piñata, and stuff to decorate with. He's really excited. I guess we all are. They said this is their first time to be here for our birthdays. We couldn't be happier. There's nothing so great as sharing these special times with those we love. To all our other loved ones out there... we'll be posting ;)