Family Reunion '08

Last week we headed to Angels Camp, California to stay at a timeshare. (generously provided by Eric's Mom and Step-Dad.) Yes, this year’s “family camping” turned into “family resorting.” After two babies joined the family, we thought it would be best. We had a lot of fun.
During the drive Audrey entertained herself by stealing her “Dollie's” pacifier, then got disappointed after discovering that it did not satisfy.
We borrowed my mom’s mini van and left Friday with a full van of stuff. We stopped at the Modesto Costco and brought two of the heaviest carts I ever pushed full of food. We bought so much food I even got nauseated and could not eat dinner. We used three coolers and filled up an already very full van to the brim.
Audrey was barely hanging on after the long drive and 2 hour Costco visit. Thanks to her new farm animal book (which is almost as big as she is), “Noisy Farm”, we were able to drive another hour on Highway 4 to Angel’s Camp.
After checking into two, two bedroom suits, we went to the local grocery store to buy another cart full of food. We spent a few hours putting the food away in two refrigerators and raided one suite of it’s table, chairs, dishes and pots and pans to accommodate five couples and two babies in the main suite.

After the hard work, we got to relax and spend a week with the family. The family consisted of Eric’s: Mom (Cedulie), Step-dad (Luis), Dad (John), Step-mom (Mary Ann), sister (Stefanie), brother-in-law (George), niece (Sophia), Step-sister (Susan), Susan’s boyfriend (Tom), and the the three of us Lapointes. In addition, my Mom (Suzie), sister (Rahime), and brother-in-law (‘Chung) came for a couple of days. Amongst other things, we played phase 10, Skip-Bo, Cranium, Trivial Pursuit (from 1981), Croquet, Bocce Ball, Extreme Bocce, Volleyball, Golf, and Domino's. Needless to say, there was an abundance of fun, games, and food. We also got a chance to visit an 1800's gold mining tent town re-enactment, seeing as Angel's Camp is gold country.
The highlight was getting to spend time with our beautiful niece, Sofia.
We confirmed that Audrey and her cousin are the exact opposite. Sofia is an introvert and is very chill. Audrey loves people and is always on the go.
While we were up there, both babies experienced their first time in a pool. It took Audrey a few times to get used to the pool but Sofia loved it from the get go. She even already knows how to kick. In helping her get used to the water, I think Eric taught Audrey that she has to constantly make a motor sound to “swim”.
All in all, the week was an A+. It was really great to spend an uninterrupted week with family. We really appreciate that family are the people who love you, not always the people related to you. We look forward to next year's Family Reunion.