Henry Family Olympics

Scott's parents got a mission call to Birmingham England earlier this year.  With everyone in town for their farewell during the Pioneer Day holiday weekend, we decided to do a mini family reunion, and held our first Henry Family Olympics in our backyard (inspired by Mymixofsix).  The country flags we made this year during our theme weeks came in handy. (though my yard man watered them earlier in the day!)

Everybody brought a foreign dish, which was fun to sample.  We had chinese cabbage and noodles, pierogi, bangers and mash, hotdogs, and pizza, to name a few.

I made an Olympic rings fruit pizza for dessert.  It was really yummy!  For the recipe, google Olympic rings fruit pizza.

Here are the cousins enjoying the food.  Sadly, Savannah had the flu that night and spent the night laying down or puking.  She had an old friend visiting from AZ too.

I divided everybody up by family.  We had the blue team (go Cougs!)

The red and black team,

Team pink (all girls!)

and, my favorite, Team Orange!  Everybody created their own team flags and paraded them during the running of the torch.

And don't forget our honorary Officials!  They were tough on us...

We started with the Running of the Torch.  Every team got to choose one runner.  We started at the opening to the cul-de-sac and ran it to the backyard torch.  Here we have Grace from CA as our proud runner.

I couldn't keep up to snap pictures, as they ran so dang fast!  Here's the first pass-off.

Grandma passes it to Grandpa (please disregard the grandma-high weeds in the playground!)

...who runs it to the everlasting torch to light it.

Next, Grandpa made his pre-written remarks to officially open the games.  The kids thought the end warning was funny.  Something about not being a party pooper.

We had to make sure our athletes were clean, of course.  (it's only apple juice!)

The kids couldn't understand why the adults were so wary of taking a cup.

First event was shot put, with water balloons.  Here are our officials taunting the athletes.

Steve gets ready to soak Grandma.

Next up--cycling!

Brighton makes it back and hands off to Irelynd.

Team Blue's about to find out the dangers of riding a bike 12 sizes too small...

And he loses control

and he's down!

That's when the men got smart about it.

Please notice the tongue.  It's a family trait.

Next event was equestrian races.  These fancy horses were made by my very talented SIL Sallie, who sacrificed her sleep to stay up until 4 AM to finish them in time.  4!!!  Gold medal to you, chica!  Aren't they cute??

Waiting for the go.  Please notice Irelynd's facial expression.

She must've been threatening her poor horse.

They had to go around the poles, through the "pond" and back.  Some cheated and didn't gallop.  You know who you are...

Last event was water balloon volleyball.  Here are me and Savannah trying to catch a long one.  I think we missed it, in case you couldn't tell.

And the medals.  Please ignore the constipated look on my face.  I really was happy to be there.  Just perma-scowl.  It's a family trait.

And Team Orange takes the gold!  Followed by Team Blue, Team Red/Black, and ending with Team Pink, with the Cork medal.  But our Officials surprised everyone with M&M's in a thermos as a non-whiners prize. 

That got Sallie really excited...

Afterwards the men and kids camped outside in tents and sleeping bags in our backyard.  Most moms went home to a soft bed and quiet house.  In the morning we went to the city parade and enjoyed breakfast outside.  What a fun day!

And a few weeks later...

we had to bid farewell for 18 months to Grandma and Grandpa Henry while they serve the English people in Birmingham, England.  What a great example they are to my children.  I'm so lucky to have such great in-laws and grandparents for my children!  Good luck, guys!  Bring me back some chocolate!