Reunion in Idaho

When my family started talking about a family reunion I pushed real hard for it to be in Idaho. I knew we would be up there already visiting Tanner's family and that it would be a good location for most everyone (sorry Tiff and Cameron). We ended up finding a cabin a little ways outside of McCall and it was a wonderful week. 

The kids never stopped the whole time. There were bunk beds to jump off of, an air hockey table, pool table, hot tub and more than enough treats to keep them fueled throughout the day. 

We went on a couple little hikes around the cabin which was more than enough with our big crew of littles. There are 14 grandkids with the oldest being 10, so it's a little crazy when we all get together. We learned that the preschoolers do much better when they are holding one of their Aunt's hands instead of their mother's. The fear of the unknown I guess. 

My mom and I  decided we should have a Stripling Warriors theme because of all our boys. The first full day we had all the men act out Ammon the missionary. They really got into their roles and the kids loved it. 

Ammon before King Lamoni

The robbers who chased the King's flocks away. They gave a stellar performance, keeping their hands behind their backs after their arms were cut off. We then had everyone bury their weapons of war out on the beach. This beach was so beautiful but there were signs up warning about the levels of bacteria in the water so we stayed on the shore. 

We had a fun beach day at Lake McCall where the kids got to play to their hearts content in the water and sand. Tanner, Andrew, and my sisters and I tried a little volleyball. It wasn't exactly pro...but we laughed a lot and that was more fun anyways. 

Tanner and Chet on the paddle board

Emily and Andrew helped Mariah with an epic sand castle. And they were such good sports when all the little boys decided to be the elements on time lapse. It didn't take long for it to all be in ruins. 

Eliza and Chet had a good time in the hammock. 

Another day we had Andrew dress up as Captain Moroni with his Title of Liberty and call the people to stand for their freedoms, families and religion. It was really special to see the enthusiasm of all the kids as they jumped up and raised their hands when Captain Moroni asked, "who will join me in this fight?" We didn't have to encourage them at all.

After that Helaman came and gave them all their own swords. And recruited them to be in the Army of Helaman. Tyler had made them for all of the grandkids. They then had some pretty epic battles with Tyler who was such a good sport. 

On the last night we talked to the kids about how the Stripling Warriors had great faith and part of that was because their mothers had great faith and had taught them. Each child was then brought to a room where they were alone with their mother who told them a truth that they wanted them to know. They then were given a glow stick. Chet and Austin didn't care too much what I had to say because they had already seen most of their cousins with a glow stick and that was all they could think of. But Mariah and I had a very sweet moment where the spirit was so strong. After going out to my mom she said, "I'll never forget this."  I'm so grateful everyone was willing to put in the time to have a theme for the reunion. 

The last day we had a lot of treats that just had to be eaten before everyone left. There was donuts on a string...

Great Grandma Young's birthday cake and Grandma Irene's Orange Jello salad

And even a "pop" party with crazy music and bubble wrap on the floor. The kids also got some soda pop to stick with the theme. We then followed that up with a pinata. I think we reached our yearly limit of sugar in one day. 

Mariah had so much fun dancing with Grandpa. That night she ended up throwing up all over the bathroom...it was real scary. Poor little Tycen got sick as well and there were some sick kids on the drive home, but at least it was at the end of the reunion and not the beginning. 

These kids wore Grammie and Papa Ralph out! Austin would make the rounds and cuddle with anyone who would take him. It was really sweet. 

The adults had fun playing games and eating way too much ice cream after the kids were in bed each night. It was great getting to know Andrew before he and Emmie were married. It was such a wonderful time to be with family. Thanks mom and dad for putting this on!