Monday, July 28, 2025

Colorado Reunion 2025

 David was able to join us on our trip out west this year. I was in charge of the family reunion, which was a bit stressful. The family reunion.

I had wrist bands made in a different color for each family line with the family brand on them. They were a big hit!

Dad made these cowboys for the family raffle. So cute!

We drove down with Grammy and Grandad. We stopped at the Moab food truck park for yummy lunch on the way. 
My tamale was fantastic!
Baylie had a wrap and Jalen had a burger.
We checked into our hotel in Cortez and then headed to the ranch. It always feels my soul to see Mesa Verde.
Clark's family was also able to go this year. It's rare that my brothers go. I missed Tiffani because she is usually there. We set up Dad's massive tent.
That evening was the traditional crawdad fishing expedition. The kids went with Clark's family.
Baylie, Dianne, Hailey, Jalen, Riley, Jonny, Clark, Shawn, Justine
young cousins that I don't know the name of
Jonny and Jalen
Baylie, Riley, and Jalen
Will, Hailey, Tyler, Riley
Will and Aunt Hailey
Bailey and Riley
They stop fishing when it gets too dark.
The next day was the trading post, raffle, and silent auction. We wanted to have something for all income levels and I think we succeeded with that.
Afterwards the hotel dwellers went back for a swim. Our hotel had an indoor pool and a heart-shaped jacuzzi.
We went back in the afternoon to finish the silent auction and spend some family time.
groovy chick
Alisha had these amazing hats made with the family brand.
Bailey, Grammy & Jonny
Bea, Ashley, Rosie
Bea and Hailey
I have memories of breaking piƱatas at my Granny's house for Christmas so I wanted to do one for the reunion. The kids loved it.
Jonny and Clark hanging it up
Simon giving it a whack!
Ashley, Bea, Bailey, Grandad, Riley, Rosie, Grammy, Hailey
Kelly, Shawn, Clark
Shawn, Katie, Clark
Grandad and Grammy
That night was a crawdad boil
Grammy, Grandad, Clark, Mark, Kay
Back: Tyler, Clark, Di, Bea, Baylie, Jalen, Hailey, Jonny, Riley, Bailey, Me, David
Front: Rosie, Ashley, Will, Grammy, Grandad, Simon
Whole family!
The OG's - Julie, Lyman, Eric, Dad, Mikki, Mark
The highlight of the reunion is the family testimony meeting. I love my family so much.
On the way home, we stopped in Moab to eat at Milt's. It's well known for it's burgers and we wanted to give it a try. It did not disappoint!
onion rings
Check out that burger!!
Three generations
Wilson Arch
Fat Lady (Church Rock)
The Buzzard
Wide Open Spaces
We had a meeting of the reunion committee and decided that for a variety of reasons, we wouldn't be doing the reunion every year anymore. This next summer is the first time we won't be having it since I was a little girl. But most of the other families don't have their own little reunions and they want to start. We haven't decided for sure what the plan is going forward. We'll still have reunions, but I don't know how often. Either way, I won't have to be in charge again for awhile!

Friday, July 18, 2025

Riverbanks Zoo with the Everts & Baileys 2025

Since I'm ready to be a grandma, but not ready for Baylie to be a mom, I have unofficially adopted a family in our ward to be my grandchildren. There are four of them, the oldest is six, and their mom is pregnant. I sit in front of them in church on Sundays so I have someone to play with.

On July 18 we went to the zoo with the Everts and the Baileys. Baylie was babysitting two young girls so they went with us as well.

Avery, Riley, x, x, Declan, and Charlie
Feeding the giraffes is always a favorite. The tongues are so long!
On the train.
On the carousel.
Alee Bailey and Jalen on the ropes course.
Jalen, Gideon and Alee
We have a great zoo. We don't go as often now that the kids are older, but it's still always a good time.