Family Reunion 2011

What a FANTASTIC family we have! We just got back home from another amazing C. Family Reunion, and I am once again astounded by the amount of fun and pure enjoyment that we have when we are all together. At its peak, the reunion was attended by about 165 of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and their families. It was so fun to play, chat, and renew our friendships. I always feel completely welcomed and loved by every member of my family, and for that I am eternally thankful.

Day 1:
Dinner, Family History Night, Talents, and Ice Cream

 The whole group playing TDQ's (trivia) about our Family History

Vaughn playing "Spinning Song" upside down and Uncle D. and Kaylee playing "You Belong with Me" while the audience sang along

 Vaughn and Corianne and Maren and Grant 

Eating ice cream (a staple at any C. family function)

Favorite memories of the night:

*Eating leftover barbecue and wedding cake from Justin's wedding (I am still dreaming of that delish carrot cake!)

*Stef throwing tons of candy during TDQ's

*Being reminded that nearly every one of our ancestors had major trials but kept the faith (one lived in a dugout, one lived in a wagon box, one had 11 children, one had 23 children etc. etc.)

*Mark L. performing on the piano. Wowzers!

*Daniel being named "Mr. C" (looks most like an original C. family member) after a poll of those in attendance

Day 2:

QRU Fun Run, Melba 4th of July Parade, Buzz sessions (classes), fireworks, Patriotic program, and Red, White and Blue homemade ice cream

 Our Family-- Ready for the 2 mile FUN RUN on the 4th of July

 Jonathon pushed the 2 boys the whole way and still managed to come in at around 18 min.

 Hannah, Kym, and I ran together the entire race (until the very end when we all sprinted to the finish). It was nice to have people to run with and keep me motivated. It was my best 2 miles ever. I felt great the entire race and actually had a good time doing it.

 Mom and Dad finishing strong

(Several of the extended family also ran. Some of them included: Janet, Stef, Julie, and Justin in the 6 miler and Jamie pushing a stroller for 2 miles)

 Watching the parade

The candy total was impressive this year... just what the kids wanted!

 Cupcake Decorating Class/ Coupon Class

Mom had 7 of the grandkids prepare and present classes on various topics for the rest of the family. They turned out to be informative and fun!

Coupons- Sarah

Finances- Darrell (Jonathon and my brothers have been talking about this one non-stop)

Courageous Parenting- Kris and Kyle

Cupcakes- Melodie and Emily (supposedly for the kids, but I saw quite a few adults over there as well!)

Kid's Crafts- Stef and Kelsi

Favorite Memories of Day 2:

*The perfect morning for a run

*Jonathon buying a 14 inch corn-dog (yuck!)

*Katie and Michelle (the newlyweds) winning my coupon class giveaway

*Uncle R.'s field catching on fire during the firework show 

Day 3:

The Lake... waterskiing, swimming, trivia, volleyball, pizza, shaved ice, variety show

 Andrew hanging out by the lake

Playing an intense game of Trivia 

(I was the only person to win 2 games, so I was declared the official winner... Oh Yeah!)

 Some political conversation, no doubt

 Uncle Mike's and Travis' boats were huge hits

 Unlimited shaved ice (another C. family tradition)

Daniel performing during the variety show

Favorite Memories of Day 3:

*Beating Aaron and Bryan at trivia (there may or may not have been a lot of trash talk... on both sides)

*Watermelon and coconut shaved ice... my new favorite flavor

*Uncle Mike's family rendition of "Kids Say the Darnedest Things"-- Taralee wants to be a horse....... rider when she grows up, and one of the kid's dream vacation was Montana (?) Hahaha!

What a great way to spend 3 days. 

Thanks for the Memories... See you all in 2 years!