The family I grew up in didn't vacation. We went on an occasional ward camping trip and never missed a family wedding, funeral or missionary farewell, but vacations- they just never happened. Which is probably one of the reasons family reunions are such a sweet memory for me. I have nearly 40 cousins on my dad's side of the family and they are a happy bunch! I didn't see them much, but when we gathered at the big lodge in Idaho it was a non-stop party. We played games, hiked and did silly talent shows. We loved listening to my aunts tease my dad, the only brother, about all the awful things he did to them growing up. He came back with a few stories of his own. They literally laughed until they cried. Grandpa and Grandma would bring us all Idaho Spud candy bars. One year they gave us all Book of Mormon's that were printed with gold covers and engravings to look like the Golden Plates. But it wasn't just the gifts or the fun. There was something about singing and praying with this whole group of people that I didn't really know super well, but felt so connected to. Our common heritage brought us together in a way entirely uncommon and as we played, prayed and sang together I felt the power of the past, the energy of the now, and the potential of the future inside of me. Which is way more exhilarating and long-lasting than any roller-coaster!
I hope my children can have this same experience, and my siblings must too, because every year we all make time for our own family reunion. This year, Mike and Tiffany were in charge and found us a great cabin for the weekend. We had such a fun time. Thanks everybody!!
the cabin
American Idol Night: the judges
Relay race: blowing a bubble. I think they saved this gum all year. It was hard to chew!
Keith telling ghost stories to the kids
they even slept under the pool table
We had everyone here this year except for brother-in-law Richard who couldn't get leave. Which means: 16 grandkids ranging in age from 14 to 5 months, my parents and their 7 children, and 5 spouses.
