How to: Family Reunion

A family reunion is a wonderful thing!  The planning begins a long time before you go and if you're in our family, it involves a Google Docs Spreadsheet that everyone can write on, and write they do.  They plan the food, who will cook, what to buy, the activities, things to bring, and of course include silly comments and memories in the mix.  Next comes some of the grocery shopping, enough to fill the back of the car and of course a stop for fresh raspberries since they are in season.  Our reunion last week was in Jeremy Ranch, near Park City so we were able to drive, packing Gus to the hilt.

 Eating is a big part of a family reunion.  Some people like to eat more than others.

Some people get a seat at the table, and some have to sit on the couch.  

The table outside on the deck is especially fun. 

 We like to cook at our family reunion. We have fancy things like crepes,

 Corn on the cob,

 and Ebleskivers.

It's good to plan some family activities, like learning a new song, complete with actions.  "I Have a Family Tree, with branches by the dozens, I have Grandpas, I have Grandmas, I have uncles, aunts and cousins. . ."

"When it's reunion time, no matter what the weather,

 it is such a happy day, when the family gets together."

 It's especially fun if there are fish to feed at your family reunion.  We had a whole pond of orange, white and yellow Koi.

 And a great hill to roll down.

 You can take an excursion for your family reunion.  We went to the Brigham City Temple Open House.  We had a wonderful time walking through the beautiful new temple.  Afterward, we had lunch at the Maddox with some extra family members including Great Grandma and Great Granddad.

And then went to the Gateway mall to splash in the fountain and visit the planetarium.

 Another fun excursion was to the Utah Olympic Park, just a few miles from our condos. 

 It's really hard to get eight children six years old and younger to hold still for a picture.

 It helps to have an enclosed space to hold them in - how about a bobsled?

 Oh, these aren't the grandchildren, they're our children.  (Yup, children.)

We tested out the Olympic events.

 And some of us took a ride on the Extreme Zip Line.  Oh, yeah, that was a rush.

Grandpa's favorite part of the reunion is teasing the little kids.  They're especially fun when they are three.

The best part of a family reunion is the reunion.  Getting together, visiting, laughing and loving each other more because we had this chance.  I miss my family already.  Family, I love you!  Thanks for making the sacrifice to be at the reunion this week.