Arkansas Cousins Surprise Visit!!

About a week after we ended our "staycation" we got a surprise call from our family in Arkansas (Duc's aunt and cousins to be exact) saying they were heading out to Utah for a few days the following week.  We were so excited, we haven't seen them in 8 years! Too long.  The cousins and Auntie Mai had never met our littles and  it was love at first sight.  Auntie walked in the door and picked Ava right up.  Little miss is usually so shy!  It was off to a great start.  Ava took to "Jessie" (or Jessica) like peanut butter to Jelly.  They are best buds for life, for sure.

 L to R Jessica (and Ava) Samuel and James.  (Miss these faces so much already!)

 Avie had Sam and James wrapped around her little finger right off the bat...

 It was great fun to show up at the in-laws with family in tow.  They had no idea they were even coming,   Such a fun surprise!  We had so much fun catching up and eating, and playing!

 We decided to head up to Bridal Veil falls for a little hike and some sight seeing.  Uncle Hieu was conveniently off work that day and got to come play with us too!  What a treat!  These munchkins love their uncle.

 Ahhhhhhh, my zen place.  Insert childhood memories --here--

Ollie was trying to spot creatures and whatnot with his binoculars...

 ahhhh, again.  My littles.  The reason for my existence, the reason I get out of bed each morning, the reason I am going gray and crazy.  Love these faces more than words could ever express...

Little miss wasted no time convincing Daddy that her "legs were to small"

 The whole crew minus Auntie Mai... whom I have discovered managed to escape my camera lens!  How did that happen?!

 Good times.

 Could her little self be any cuter? I think not.

Be still my beating heart...

 Daddy helped them all make walking sticks...

 Rocks, Trees, Water, Dirt and your very own walking stick? Heaven.

 Back at the house, Ollie decided it was time to show James who's boss...

 It's going to be a tight one!

 It must be all those veggies he's been eating!

 The loss.  I've never seen my Ollie so tickled in my life!

 And what's a family gathering without a few pictures? (Ong Noi and Ollie)

 Ba Noi & Kiddos

 The whole lot of us!  A fun time was had by all and I surely hope another 8 years doesn't have to pass by before we get to visit again!