Seth and Tiffany hosted our reunion this year. We held it at Uncle Roger's beautiful lodge at Bear Lake. This was our second reunion there. It handles us pretty well considering there were 38 of us. We gathered on Tuesday evening, June 14th. Crismon and I had flown to SLC on Monday afternoon. Crismon and Danielle were on their way to pick us up but their car was loaded with food. Gratefully, Vivienne & Brett's family were driving past the airport about that time and we all connected at the airport and they were able to take some of the food from Crismon's car so they had room for us. We then drove on to Logan and took Grandma Julia out to dinner. After a nice visit with her, we drove on up Logan Canyon and met Seth's family at the lodge. Tuesday we prepared for family to arrive that evening.
The first night the older children were in tents in the backyard, but because of wind and other problems, many migrated indoors sleeping in the loft. We had most of the adult women in one room and the adult men in another. Everyone pitched in to fix great meals. They spoiled Dad and me. We didn't have to prepare a meal, but Dad did lots of cleanup afterwards.
Wednesday morning many went running or on walks. We went to the south beach that day for lunch and to play in the water. Meredith challenged Ondalynn to run and get in the freezing cold water. They started it, and soon others were making the dare to get in the water, but because it was so cold we soon came back to the lodge to hang out and play games or rest.
The first night the older children were in tents in the backyard, but because of wind and other problems, many migrated indoors sleeping in the loft. We had most of the adult women in one room and the adult men in another. Everyone pitched in to fix great meals. They spoiled Dad and me. We didn't have to prepare a meal, but Dad did lots of cleanup afterwards.
Wednesday morning many went running or on walks. We went to the south beach that day for lunch and to play in the water. Meredith challenged Ondalynn to run and get in the freezing cold water. They started it, and soon others were making the dare to get in the water, but because it was so cold we soon came back to the lodge to hang out and play games or rest.
I love being surrounded by my children. How blessed I am to be the mother of nine incredible kids. Heavenly Father poured his blessings out upon Dad and me to be blessed with choice spirits from His presence. These great kids have honored us with this amazing posterity.
Thursday morning, the family went on a hike just up the road from Garden City. I wanted to go with them but I have to save my steps. I read a book in the car for an hour. Norah brought back this beautiful bouquet of flowers that she had picked for me.
The afternoons included board games, naps for some and Danielle put on a wonderful class for the children about "Peter and the Wolf" and the different instruments that are used to tell the story through dramatized music. The children were captivated.
Grandpa and I shared thoughts, stories and our testimonies Tuesday evening. I shared about getting polio as a 3-year-old and the emotional challenge that was for me throughout my life. I was grateful for a sweet lady that was my "fairy" as I was going through that tender time as a young girl. We didn't know who it was but we received notes in the mail with beautiful detailed pictures of fairies, and bluebell flowers that brought me such happiness. The fairy was called briar rose. In the mornings I also told stories to the children as the mom's gathered their items and prepared for the day.
Thursday evening we went down to Garden City for the famous raspberry milk shakes. Many walked all the way. Emily and Bronson were on their way about that time and arrived about the same town as we did for ice cream. It was very cold, and then to have cold ice cream seemed a little crazy, but so fun. That night the adults played many fun minute-to-win-it games that Meredith, Julia and Emily had put together. It was a night of lots of laughs, and lots of visiting late as well.
Friday morning we took our family picture and then many individual pictures with each of the grandchildren. Crismon and Danielle had prepared a very fun "Family Olympics," with many great games using water balloons, tug-of-war, and more. We totally dominated the park that day. We headed to the north beach that afternoon to meet Roger and Andrea. They were so good to bring their jet ski and their flyboard for our family to enjoy. Many of the adults tried the flyboard for the first time. It was quite an exciting time for them. The day was hot and the water much warmer. Everyone had a terrific time at the beach.
We got started late for the talent show, but it was so fun to have it. Spencer did some magic tricks, Jackson shared a game he had coded, Ruby and Norah, quoted an entire book with Dorothy, Kaeley played the drums, and so much more. They were all great! Viv & Brett's family left late after the talent show that night.
Saturday morning everyone pitched in to clean up the lodge and head down to Logan for a BBQ with my Smith family. Geoff, Peggy and Andrea did the food and others brought desserts or side dishes. It was great being with my family. I loved having Gwen as my little companion. She would come to me all the time and I was in heaven holding and playing with her. We were glad Meredith could be with us, but we really missed Bryan and her four beautiful children. Hawaii is just too far away!
