cousin parties...

Carly, one of Ben's cousins (and now one of my cousin-in-laws, as I like to call them), is gearing up to leave us soon.  She's heading out on a YWAM mission at the end of this month.  So, we've tried to get the cousins together a few times before she disappears for a few months.  We're sure going to miss her!  The last few weeks we've met for dinner, enjoyed some games, taken a field trip to drop of Taylor (Carly's younger brother) at the movies, jumped at Sky High, dined on Tex-Mex & Red Robin, reminesced about what life was like growing up as a member of the Simmons family, celebrated birthdays, and literally driven in circles.  It's been SO MUCH FUN...and I've got pictures to prove it!  :)

These photos were taken at Grandma and Grandpa's house - during the family birthday party.  Carly was there, I promise.  However, she didn't want her picture taken.  (Don't worry, she shows up below.)

Justin is not a part of the Simmons family (at least not yet).  He is Katie's boyfriend who willingly came up to the Island for one of our family birthday parties...and he fit right in.  I LOVE the fact that he's competitive too - just like the rest of the Simmons family!

This is a horrible picture - not because of the people, but because I was rushed and didn't do a good job!  We set off on an inpromptu adventure to drop off Taylor (see picture below).  He and his girlfriend were meeting to see a movie at the Clyde.  We wanted to show up and embarrass him.  From left to right you've got Justin, Caleb, Katie, Ben, Carly & Brandon.

Here's Taylor...gearing up for the big date.  He's a trooper for putting up with all of us!  :)  What a cutie-pa-tootie too!

Katie stood in the middle of the street for this picture.  I was pretending to take a photo of her when really, we were just hoping to keep an eye on Taylor and his sweet girlfriend...they are the two blurry figures in the back!  :)

More pictures coming...this was just one of our gatherings.