Our flight lands in Billings only a few minutes before Elena's party starts. We pick up our car and make a mad dash to the Billings Gymnastics Studio where the party is being held. Since Elena's new sister had just been born yesterday, Daddy and Aunt Amanda were running the show. We hit the dirt running and lending hands wherever we could. Our first sight of Elena was this one: She was having great cousin time with Nora.
Soon the place was buzzing with cousins and friends running and playing everywhere. It was "organized" chaos though as there actually was a teacher running the kids from one apparatus to another. I took over with Caleb so that Amanda could help more and Mister ran around trying to take a ton of pictures so that Rhiana wouldn't feel that she had missed it all. 
At one point the kids were all led in a song of "Tooty Ta" - again I wish I had a video. They boys were so cute and had me just giggling while watching them. Such a funny song.Oh look --- Raef can fly! Although I cannot figure out why he looks like a monster coming down. A few seconds later I glanced up and Amanda was barreling down the ramp and leapt into the pit. I was definitely not fast enough to catch her in med-air, but did grab this shot.
As each person took their turn, some got out of the pit faster than others. Zyra was content to stay in there for awhile and play peek-a-boo. There were also lines forming at the zip-line and I was so impressed with well they all did. Elena came flying past and was all smiles when she finished.
As I said earlier, I was trying to keep tabs on Master Caleb and was running out of ideas to keep him amused. When all else fails -- get on their level and just let them maul and abuse you. Works every time.He was laughing so hard and all that did was make me laugh harder until I could barely hold him up.
Cousin time -- We are missing Caleb and have an extra friend in there, but here ia a rare moment of quiet time between events.
When the kids were finally worn out and cake and ice cream were finished, it was time for presents. Kyle did such a good job running the show and Elena made an absolute haul. I had no idea how we were going to get it all in the car but by splitting up kids and gifts, we left in 3 cars. Another party at an end. Whew.
When we got home with Elena she wanted to play on the new swing that her daddy had built for her. Don't ya just love the shorts and boots? I know I do.
After naps and a change of clothes, it was time for Elena to go and meet her sister, Malea. She was so excited to go, but I honestly think it was to see Mommy. They are so close and being apart is hard for Elena. I love these first moments as a whole family and was so glad to be a part of it. So tender and amazing. Goodness but how small she is compared to her big sister. 
Grandpa got a quick hold in as well and almost looks as though she might break. Well, I guess as small as she is that makes sense. Welcome, Miss Malea, into this family that is so excited to have you. You also are helping to even out the numbers -- something that is drastically needed. 
We went down to Matt's for dinner and the cousins were able to play together for awhile. They all get along so well.Did I say they got along well? Here is a shot from earlier in the day when there had been a bit of a falling out with the boys. Grandpa watched the whole thing unfold and was trying so hard not to laugh as they were left to work it out. This picture is truly worth a thousand words.
The adults hung out upstairs visiting and Matt reached boredom quickly, thus resorting to playing with toys and showing his creativity. Everyone oooh and aaaah here.
The next day Elena wanted to take out her new kite that Grandpa and I had given her as a birthday present. It was a pretty windy day and so the three of us walked over to a park near Matt's house and let her fly it. She did pretty good for a first time and was actually willing to let others try too. Purple shoes are the give away that it is her -- she was borrowing a jacket.
Back at the house Matt was supervising trampoline time after yesterdays skirmishes and since the boys were not exactly gentle -- he had divided the sexes as well. Smart guy.While the boys were jumping, the girls were on the deck playing with the new colored rice "sandbox" that Aunt Rhiana had made for Zyra for her birthday last week. Are they not delightful together?
Girls turn on the tramp. These little ladies get along so well and are so fun to have around. I am so enjoying our weekend here - treasured moments everywhere. It is so hard to try and remember them all. The Hollywood Duo back on the deck. Future starlets.
I have no idea what this conversation is about but just seeing Grandpa get up on the tramp with the kids was shocking enough for me. He never ceases to surprise me. I think the grands adore him as much as I do. What fun.
Amanda has departed back to Cheyenne and we are going to take Elena back to her house for the night. It's time to head back for the evening and some one on one time. It is so special to get this time with her. What a little sweetheart.
It is Monday and so we have to say good-bye again and head back to Dallas. Hyrum and Zyra greet us on bikes and we have a hard time leaving. Oh my, these little ones sure do tug at the heart strings.
Our final stop on the way to the airport is at the hospital to see Rhiana and Malea one last time. We don't know how long it will be before we get back this way and need to get a baby fix. Is there anything more precious?
Priceless!
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