Family Reunion

Oh my goodness, where does the time go???

It has been a month since we had our family reunion and I haven't had 2 minutes to sit down and blog about it. So, here goes!

This year it was John and I's turn. I kept debating what to do and finally chose to stay close to home, real close to home! We camped in our very own yard. It was really quite fun I thought.

The kids were all told that the house was off limits except to use the bathroom. We were pretending we were in the mountains with all the luxuries of being close to home. They were so good and did just as Grandma asked. We didn't play games on the computer or Ipad or phones.

We started off on Thursday night with a temple session for all the adults and then dinner at Applebees. Not everyone was able to go, but those who went had a great time. The next morning between 10 and 12 everyone was to come and set up their tents in the back yard. Heather from Utah was one of the first ones there. She was way excited and so was I. Everyone kept showing up and pretty soon the back yard was full. There were six tents ranging in all sizes and we still had more room. Every family was in a different color shirt and so we took pictures 1st. They all looked so good. Then, we had lunch. I bought subway platters and made salads and had Aunt Tamra make her famous brownies. It was yummy!!!!

After lunch, we went and done 2 service projects, babies and all. We went to Aunt Edna's and washed her windows and then had popsicles under the tree while she told us about our grandparents, great grandparents and even great great grandparents to some. She had pictures and told us a lot. It was really neat. We then took a picture with her. Then, we headed over to Uncle Lowell's and Aunt Lucille's and did the same thing. Uncle Lowell told alot about that side of the family and then had old machinery to show that they had used. It was quite an experience and I think we all learned a lot. I learned things that I didn't even know about my grandparents. Uncle Lowell is the last one alive on my Mom's side and Aunt Edna is the last one alive on my Dad's side. I think they enjoyed us coming also.
Next, we went bowling in St. Anthony. Some of the little kids even beat their parents at bowling. We then went home and had supper. Lindsay and Jaimie's families fixed taco salads and they were excellent. We visited, played, jumped on the tramp and enjoyed the evening. Then, all to bed. Right!!! Some of the men took a few little ones to the neighbors to do a little toilet papering.

The next morning, John, David, Heather and I made a big breakfast for all and then the days events started. The men and Conner and Bridger went golfing and the rest of us stayed and did crafts. The little kids had a super time and made lots of fun things, swords, crowns, bracelets and lots of things. When the men got back, we ate and then had an afternoon of water fun. Jaimie and Heather had planned games, relays, water slides and of course some water fights. It was great and the weather was perfect for the whole reunion.

Brett, Tif, Koby and Heather did the night meal and it was delicious. We had sirloin tip roasts cooked slowly all day, with dutch oven potatoes, salad, rolls and desert. Yum!

After dinner we had a talent show. Every family participated and it was really good.

Later we ate smores, enjoyed one another's company and then some of them headed home. A few of us slept over night again and then sluffed church the nex t day and just relaxed. After church, everyone returned and we ate hamburgers, hotdogs, salads, rice krispy treats and just spent the afternoon hanging out.

I think it was a very successful reunion and we all enjoyed being together. It is so fun to have reunions and I can't wait until next year for Tif and Brett's turn. I won't have another turn for 7 years. Yeah!!! I love all my family and want them to all know it. Love you all!!!!!!!!!