We left Utah 3 years ago and hadn't been back (except for a super-quick wedding trip to St. George) and we were thrilled when Scott's parents decided to have a reunion in Blanding this summer. It was wonderful to see all of Scott's siblings, his parents and grandparents -- about 34 people in all. Plus, Ian and Joseph had the time of their lives playing with their cousins. I think we will skip Disneyland -- they really couldn't have had more fun than they did out in the wilderness with a dozen playmates.
We got to Blanding the day before the Independence Day festivities began. It was fun to be in a small town for the holiday-- it seemed like everyone who has ever lived in Blanding returned just for the parade!
Someone told Ian that a firetruck was coming down the street. Seriously.
We had the perfect shady spot on the church lawn to retreat to. But the candy kept enticing the kids to the street.
After watching some fireworks from Scott's parents back porch and getting a good night's rest, we headed to the beautiful Blue Mountain. Don't Scott's parents have an incredible view from their front porch?
The kids made paper bag hats, adorned with paint and twisted pipe cleaners. Joseph seemed to feel really cool exploring the woods in his.
Aunt Megan rallied the family into an exercise program earlier this year, which culminated in a series of races. The kids all did 100 meters. Longer races also took place for the adults. I am so glad she started this tradition! Maybe next time I will even participate..!
Here are the kids all lined up, with Grandma and Grandpa Pope at starting/finishing line.
And here is the finishing line. The race was just a big loop around a median, and about midway Ian started to veer the wrong direction -- back towards the restroom. I ran along side him and encouraged him to finish. At the end, all the kids ducked under the tape! Then Ian proceeded straight to the restroom.
After breakfast the longer races commenced. Joseph and I stayed back at the tent for a nap. I was exhausted after a mostly sleepless night in the tent and I dosed off before Joseph did. I woke up to Joseph having fallen asleep with his head rested on my tummy. It was adorable! It is one of my favorite memories from this trip.
Meanwhile, Scott helped shuttle some of the runners to the 5k starting point. Then Ian decided he wanted to run the race too. So he ran on the trail along side Scott in the car. I hear he ran at least a mile this way, with lots of short breaks to examine bugs and rocks along the way! His race ended when he tripped and fell flat on his belly, wetting his pants. Fortunately, we were all wearing layers against the frigid Utah weather (poor Texans) and after removing a few of his pairs of pants, he was dry and ready for more.
Scott climbed a tree when we first arrived, which kicked off a whole tree-climbing epidemic among the cousins.
The boys were introduced to flavored boxed milk. Instant love.
Cousin mischief of one kind or another.
We had a great time with everyone! I am so lucky to have married into such a wonderful family. We can't wait to all get together again!
More on our Utah trip soon!
All kinds of fun activities were waiting for the cousins at the reunion. A favorite was "treasure rocks" hidden all over the campsite. Grandma had covered small toys in plaster and painted them to look like real rocks. The kids loved cracking them open to discover the toys and then storing them in their little personalized canisters. All sorts of other treasures were toted around all week in those cute little things.
Here are the little twins: from the back these little tow-heads (Joseph and Adam) were difficult to tell apart!
The kids made paper bag hats, adorned with paint and twisted pipe cleaners. Joseph seemed to feel really cool exploring the woods in his.
And here is the finishing line. The race was just a big loop around a median, and about midway Ian started to veer the wrong direction -- back towards the restroom. I ran along side him and encouraged him to finish. At the end, all the kids ducked under the tape! Then Ian proceeded straight to the restroom.
After breakfast the longer races commenced. Joseph and I stayed back at the tent for a nap. I was exhausted after a mostly sleepless night in the tent and I dosed off before Joseph did. I woke up to Joseph having fallen asleep with his head rested on my tummy. It was adorable! It is one of my favorite memories from this trip.
Meanwhile, Scott helped shuttle some of the runners to the 5k starting point. Then Ian decided he wanted to run the race too. So he ran on the trail along side Scott in the car. I hear he ran at least a mile this way, with lots of short breaks to examine bugs and rocks along the way! His race ended when he tripped and fell flat on his belly, wetting his pants. Fortunately, we were all wearing layers against the frigid Utah weather (poor Texans) and after removing a few of his pairs of pants, he was dry and ready for more.
Scott climbed a tree when we first arrived, which kicked off a whole tree-climbing epidemic among the cousins.
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3 comments:
I want to know more about those treasure rocks! How did she make them? What a super fun idea!
Lesley,
We are so glad to have you as part of our family. It was a fun reunion. We were glad your family could make it.
Love,
Mom Larson
Oh my gosh, what a great time!!! I love all the fun kid activities, like the rock treasures! That's awesome! I love camping. I'm glad it was such a blast (especially about the Joseph-falling-asleep-on-you thing!) That's the best!!
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