Barnes Bash 2008 - Steamboat Springs, CO

Each year Jeff's family takes a trip together which has become known as the "Barnes Bash". This tradition started before Jeff and I were married and now consists of 29 of us (28 this year because Nick is on his mission) getting together for a few days of fun.

Even though we go somewhere different every year, there are certain things that remain the same - the pajama parade (the grandkids choose a t-shirt that they decorate and model for everyone and then they go for a walk outside to parade them around - oh some of the looks we've had!), the unbirthday party (everyone is given a name and they have to make a gift for that person and we have a party to present the gifts) and most of all just spending time together and having A LOT of fun.

This year we went to Steamboat Springs, CO. We left Tuesday morning (the 8th) to drive over from Salt Lake. Emilie and Ada's cousin Eliza rode with us. I think she was taking advantage of having more girls around since she has 3 brothers!

Emilie, Eliza and Ada - Girls Rock!

Sarah looking forward to the fun!

We stopped in Vernal for lunch at Winger's. The funny part is when 21 of us walked in the three waitresses all looked at each other and shook their heads like "I'm not taking THAT group!" Needless to say lunch was a drawn out process, but we did finally get done and got back on the road. Thanks Marc for stepping in and being such a great waiter! We made it into Steamboat later that evening and the bash was ready to begin! Yeah we made it!

Wednesday was full of play time and a gondola ride up the mountain. Some chose to walk down and some chose to bike down. Others (most of the younger kids including mine) chose to ride up and down on the gondola. The view was amazing! (I could only determine that from pictures since I stayed with Sarah so she could nap because she was still not feeling 100% yet)

The Gondola

Getting started on pajama parade shirts

Thursday consisted, of course, of more playing, more fun and miniature golf and the alpine slide.

Miniature Golf

Thursday night we had our first annual BB cookoff. I wish I had taken pictures of all the food. Everything looked so good and tasted even better!

Nicolas sampling the brownie batter

After dinner we then played "Are you smarter than then grandchildren" with all the adults against the grandkids. Then it was on to karaoke. Thanks for a great evening Peter - it was a smashing success. I'm feeling a tradition with the cookoff and karaoke coming on!

Karaoke

Friday was time to finish pjp shirts and finish the unbirthday gifts and more fun! Some when rafting and others went swimming. That night we had the unbirthday party and then the pajama parade. The best news of the day was that Emilie lost her first tooth! We did find out that the tooth fairy does come to Steamboat!

The Unbirthday Party

The Pajama Parade

Saturday morning we woke up to see the hot air balloon rodeo from our front porch.



Sadly Saturday was the day to pack up and head for home.
Sarah and Aunt Heather

Nicholas with Uncle Jeff


Saying goodbye

Thanks everyone for a grand trip! It was so much fun - as always! Thanks to the Management - you know who you are - we couldn't have done it without you! You're the best!

These are a few pictures of the view as we headed out of Steamboat.

Absolutely a Rocky Mountain High