Family Reunion 2012

I have the most generous Grandma in the world. Let's just start with that.

Every year since Devin and I have been married, my Grandma has paid for large portions of the cost of a reunion for whoever wants to come (this is my dad's family- which has 11 original children (though only 8 are still living), 54 grandchildren, and hoards of great-grandchildren.) Our first year, we went to upstate New York to see many church history sites, Niagara Falls, etc. The second year, we had a reunion in the mountains of Colorado. The third year, we had a reunion in Island Park, Idaho, complete with cabins, horses, rafting, etc. The fourth year, we had a reunion in Nauvoo, Illinois to see many of the church sites there. What happened last year? I don't remember-- maybe we took a year off. This year, we had a reunion at Heber Valley Girls Camp, right up the canyon from us. There were about 85 family members there and it was so much fun to get together with so many family members.

Devin was unable to come this year as he had to work, but it was a great time for me and for the kids. My favorite parts of this year's reunion (before I had to leave early because Devin was home barfing and we needed to get ready for Flor's sealing) were the campfire/funny family story night (HILARIOUS. So many good stories-- many involving my grandpa, who has quite the legacy of great stories. Oh Grandpa...sure miss him) and the late night cousin chat with many of my favorites (cousins that is). We even had a mouse join us for the chat, which made it extra special (yeah, right.)

I stole every single one of these pictures from my sister's blog, since I took zero on my own. So please forgive me if you read her blog too, and while we are on forgiving, please forgive the atrocious hair. Sometimes I do my hair, sometimes I don't. It's as simple as that. (It is also not helpful that I have started to develop my mom's poofy/frizzy hair in my old age. thanks, mom.)

Yeah, we look like we have been camping. Camping in cabins, but still camping. Wooden bunks and all.  Sleeping wasn't the greatest, but oh well, we can laugh about it now. 

Brooklyn. Isn't she about the most adorable baby you have ever seen? She is also about the most well-behaved child I have ever encountered. I think Jen and Steve deserve a really crazy one after her. Time will tell.

Here is a good shot to show you how much bigger Hallie is than most kids her age. Sadie is only 3 months younger. These two are inseparable and it's adorable.

We went canoeing/paddle boating one day and had a great time. Well, that is I enjoyed my five minutes in the canoe before we had to row me back to shore because Jace was really fighting me to jump into the water. 

Kenna was kind enough to help me with my kids the whole time since 3 on 1 is a bit difficult. She is a champ and  Flor LOVES her. This man wasn't too fond of the idea of having 7 of us in a boat, but we were persistent and he finally agreed.

We all look thrilled, right? Notice Jace just waiting for the right moment to hop on in. He apparently didn't listen to the speech about getting the "7 day itch" if you went into the water. 

We were not supposed to switch types of boats, but we snuck on over and did anyway. This worked better (notice no Jace--Jen and Steve were nice enough to watch him on shore.) 

Playing in the sand instead of the water

Just cute. She is a chubster and I love it.

I wasn't even here for this part of the trip, but want to post this picture too to show how awesome my Grandma is. Nevermind that she is 80 years old-- she is not going to let a little whitewater rafting scare her! (She is in the orange hat.) 

I was also sad that I missed a baby shower for my cousin Sarah held during the reunion. I helped plan the shower but wasn't able to be there due to the stress at home (Devin's being ill really put a damper on plans for the week. Good thing his parents were kind enough to come up to the rescue and help us get everything ready for Flor's sealing. We are just blessed all around with awesome family members! Luckily Devin recovered and was good to go by the time Thursday rolled around for the sealing.)

Until next year...