Kellerstock '09

Last weekend was the 2nd Annual Kellerstock. It's a family reunion of my immediate Keller Family (Mom's side). I know I've posted before that my Grandma Ann Keller (and Grandpa Vic, no longer with us here on earth) have 11 kids! Those kids all have kids and the kids now have kids. So, put us all together, and we manage to have a really good time (and A LOT of people)! Last year, we didn't bring the kids because we just didn't know what to expect. This year, we brought them...and I'm glad we did. Friday, Lainey and Sophie bolted out of the van yelling, "Look at all the kids here!" All three of them had the most fantastic time (and are STILL trying to catch up on sleep)!

Thanks to my Uncle George and Aunt Rita, we have Kellerstock at their farm in Humphrey, NE. They have a beautiful place with flat land and LOTS of huge shade trees. It's just perfect. Lots of people pull out their campers or pitch tents for the weekend. We city-folk drove into town at night and stayed at my Grandma's. :)

I'm just so thankful for the close-knit family I have. I truly do enjoy being around my cousins and aunts and uncles, and Matt fits right in and has a great time with everyone as well. You never lack for something to do or someone to talk to. It was a perfect weekend. I'm already looking forward to Kellerstock 2010!!!



Saturday just as we arrived in our Kellerstock '09 t-shirts!

Sawyer had a blast falling stiff as a board face first into this little pool.

Then he would jump up in the air and fold up his legs so he could sit and splash. The water was so muddy from the wet grass around it and kids tromping in and out. It was great...perfect for the little ones there...a good place to cool off in the heat.

Lainey and Sophie (and Sawyer) had the most fun on the home-made slip n' slide! It was a huge sheet of plastic spread on the ground with the sprinkler set to continuously spray. It kept them entertained...and cool...for hours!

More slip 'n sliding with new-found friends/'cousins'.

Some of the gang hanging out in the shade listening to karaoke and playing games.

Something new this year was the karaoke machine. Kids of all ages had fun with this! :) Here some of the siblings were up singing.

Matt and my cousin's husband, Nate, were up...one of a couple debuts. :)

Doesn't this face just show pure joy/fun? Sawyer LOVED the slip 'n slide. :)

New this year was the rental of a soft-serve ice cream machine!! YUM!!!

One of my most favorite (and most respected) people...Grandma Keller. You would NEVER guess this woman is 87 years old. She was out there 'til wee hours of the morning Friday, up early Saturday morning and not home until midnight Saturday. I can only hope I carry many of her genes!

Lainey said Karaoke was her favorite part of Kellerstock. Even though she couldn't read the words, she certainly knew what she was doing. She is quite the singer/performer.

The live music is one of my favorite parts of Kellerstock. My cousin, Jason (on tambourine here) has a band. They bring all of their equipment and set up to play late into the night. Here some of the guys (including my brother, Scott, on bongo) were just starting to jam a little. It sounded GREAT!

Late into the afternoon my sister-in-law, Mandy, and my mom.

Again...what a great weekend; what a great family. Thanks again George and Rita for being such terrific hosts and having the perfect venue...and to Amy, Lynn, and Jason (and all who help bring this together). What FUN! What memories!