Blogging is all new to me, but I'm hoping with Jamie's help I can learn and begin to enjoy this new experience. It is a wonderful way to keep up with families whether they live close or far away. Part of blogging is posting pictures so Jamie and I went shopping last Saturday (and with her expert advise and help) I bought a new camera. We also splurged and bought some new items for the master bedroom and a beautiful centerpiece for the front room (which will be pictured somewhere when I figure out how to do it).
This has been a busy two weeks with the arrival of Tucker and family leading into our reunion week, which began Monday, July 19th. Monday, everyone gathered at Gam and Pa's for swimming , crafts and dinner. Maren had everyone tie dye shirts and hankerchiefs, paint a family flag, and make necklaces and bracelets and boondoggle. It was a busy day ending with dinner prepared by Gam and Lynda Ann. We had teriyaki turkey along with salads, fruit and veggies.
Tuesday we headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon, loaded down with tents, sleeping bags and every camping need imaginable. Each car was loaded to capacity! When we arrived, tents were set up, children played and explored and preparations for dinner began. Tucker and Jamie were in charge of the dinner. We had fajitas and gourmet smores. It was wonderful to sit around the camp fire and visit well into the evening. Maren had prepared a family home evening about the 2000 Stripling Warriors and how they had 'courage, strength and endurance'. That was the theme for our reunion this year. As we sat around the camp fire we played the famous animal game, taught to us by Tucker.
Wednesday morning we had a wonderful breakfast prepared by Pa. Before we ate, Mallory flawlessly played the Star Spangled Banner on her flute while we held up the American Flag. Needless to say many of us shed a few tears. We had prayer, ate breakfast and then began to take the camp down. We then drove to the lake and spent some time exploring. It was beautiful day.
Thursday we went canoeing in Provo. This event had one slight 'down . The children divided themselves up into small and large groups to go canoeing. The most interesting one was the combination of Maddie, Emmi and Jaden. Emmi was at the front (not wanting to go fast or tip over), Jaden was at the back wanting to go fast and probably wouldn't have cared if they did tip over and Maddie was in the middle with nothing to do. They didn't make it very far before the adults realized this was not a working experience. Our big boat pulled along side of them and Mindy, Grayson and I changed places with them. Mindy and I did great and paddled our way home. I think we took on a tree or two but without incident! We also had Taylor and Abby in a canoe and they just couldn't quite figure out how to keep it going in a straight line. They spent most of their time going from bank to bank. They had a good time and unlike the three older ones didn't make a fuss. Just kept paddling along. I think all the kids, except maybe Maddie, ended up having a great experience.
We then headed to Bridal Veil Falls for lunch and a dip in the water at the bottom of the falls. Everyone was tired so we decided to skip ice blocking at the park and all came back to Gam and Pa's where we swam, had dinner and played What Were You Thinking. I wish I could blog all the funny things that get said while playing that game but it would be impossible to capture those moments in time. I'll just say that everyone at the table is usually laughing so hard at any given time that they can't catch their breath!
Today is Friday, July 23rd with more adventures ahead for today and tomorrow. As soon as Jamie and I have time I will learn how to add some pictures.
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