Family Reunion #1

After dealing with a broken transmission and strep throat the week before, we thought we were finally "okay for lift-off" for our trip to Utah. We were all excited to be flying and not driving this time. Especially Andrew, who loved wearing his airplane backpack. He was feeling like hot stuff and was turning heads as we walked through the airport.

We don't know what got into him, but just as the plane started taking off, Andrew screamed out, "We're goin' to DIE! We're goin' to DIE!" He wasn't scared at all, but we laughed for days about the timing of his airplane outburst.

Unfortunately, Caleb DID feel like he was going to die by the end of the flight--he got pretty sick (tummy, fever, throat...hmmm, sounds like strep!), so we sent him down to Provo, while Lauren, Andrew, and I got to visit with Grandma, Dad, Spencer, Katy and Blake. A delicious lunch, a brief fireworks display, and dipping our feet in the cool stream made for a perfect afternoon. (All the while Brad--my hero--was working his magic on the phone to get Caleb some medicine to help him feel better. Within 24 hours he was good as new!)

The Homestead: A great place for a family reunion!

We enjoyed...

Wonderful Accomodations
The adjoining rooms made for a convenient cousin sleepover swap with Maycee and Easton.

DELICIOUS Food

Can you believe this picture? I thought Brad had gone through a buffet and gotten food for the entire family, but NO! This was the breakfast they served us for one person. Eat up, Andrew!

A Family Sports Fest

The big kids played baseball and kickball for the little ones was a hit. Lauren showed she was not to be underestimated as she climbed the big tent pole right behind the big boys, and also joined in ultimate frisbee with the adults. She doesn't like to be told she's too small for anything!

A Scavenger Hunt

Aunt Maryann organized her traditional scavenger hunt for all the children, with treats at every stop and her special handmade pillowcases as the grand prize!

Homemade Ice Cream

This was another special treat provided by Aunt Maryann. The kids had a blast rolling the cans with ice and rock salt. The adults got a workout after the kids got tired.

Other memories of the Homestead not pictured:

Get-t0-know-you Game Night: Uncle Kendall's game was a hit

Talent Show--The Rap and the Silly Samurais stole the show
Family History Information and material galore!

Fireworks on the golf course

Root beer Floats

Swimming in the pool--especially the indoor pool!

Enjoying the beautiful weather peaceful feeling of the Homestead

The reunion continues in Provo (on a smaller scale)...

Although we hated to say good-bye to extended family, everyone was looking forward to riding on Papa's new toy--The Ranger! It definitely got broken-in by the many willing drivers and excited riders, who made several trips around the property and up to the cemetery. We even got to take it around the trails up Provo Canyon.

As a special family service project, we cleaned the graves of Grandma Renee, Grandpa Lester, and Grandma Kate. Lauren took extra care with the cleaning and we took a picture of her by Grandma Kate's gravestone, with whom who she shares her middle name.
That evening, we had fun making s'mores with GIANT marshmallows and receiving special presents from Gram-Z and Papa's travels.

Everyone donned their new cougar shirts for the family fireworks show.

Some of the best memories of the time together were not captured by pictures, but we especially loved watching the kids playing and how they instantly reconnect when they are together. We also loved playing at Papa's park, chatting, and just being together.