Bear Lake: Jacob Family Reunion 2013

Every year as siblings we take turns planning our family's reunion. This year it was my turn with my sister Emily. We planned a retreat to Bear Lake at a beautiful cabin that could actually fit my ENTIRE family there! And if you don't believe me, try finding a place that can fit 70 people into one space! For us it was a miracle to find this place :). We had a great time together boating, hot-tubbing, eating, talking, hiking, biking, and playing games. My sister and I planned it without a lot of structure so we could just relax and have fun. In the end I think I wish we had planned things with a little more structure...because with a family our size, no structure equals chaos. I think people still had fun though - and it was just great to be together. The air was a bit chilly, but it was just warm enough to go out on the boat. The water was still fairly warm fortunately. Next time I think I'll add a few things like: planning it at a warmer time of the year (unfortunately by the time we got our assignment a year ago, this was all we could find), music video, reunion theme music, and other fun things. Here are some of my favorite pics from the event. Wish I had taken my camera on the boat. I was worried of course about it getting wet :). Nate was kind enough with his studies to join us for half of the reunion. Mason and I were so happy when he arrived! That man amazes me with how much he gets done every day!

My sweet Dad, helping out with breakfast

Shirley with her self-built crepe. The smile was merited. They were delicious!

Mason just wanted the crepe I think, in spite of my best efforts to get him to each a variety of food :). It looks like green drinks are still the way to go for him at this point.

My sister Ramona with Adam on her lap - obviously not  a big fan of whatever he was eating

Mason's favorite part of course besides being with cousins, was being outside.

bear lake in fall

They loved the pussy willows...is that what those things are called?

Breakfast I made - baked french toast. Everyone seemed to love it :). ...except my niece in this picture :). JK. pretty sure she was just tired.

LOVING the swings!

meal preparations equals time to talk

Labor Day 2013

 Salt Lake City. It was fun to be back on our old stomping grounds. I love this city where Nate and I started out our life together and where Mason was born! We checked out the new exhibit, 101 Inventions that Changed the World, at the Leonardo Museum. It was interesting and fun. Mason loved the escalators :). It's fun to watch his little brain work and get excited by things. I love watching him! It's almost like reliving my childhood over again. Perhaps even more enjoyable. For lunch we went to Pizza Limone! Yummy! Of course we had to stop by Trader Joe's to buy cookie butter. Later in the afternoon Nate and I had fun with my parents and brother's family cutting up peaches and pears to freeze and jar while Mason took a nap. I love being around people I admire and love, and who teach me.

It was such a memorable day: laboring, and celebrating the labors of others. I feel grateful for inspired minds who worked with dedication to make our lives better. The challenge for us is wisdom. So blessed to have an entire day with my little family!

After learning about so many inventions, we had a chance to be creative

I shouldn't have asked Nate to compete with us :)

One of Mason's favorite inventions

relaxing on some of their cushions. LOVE that handsome boy!

Of all of the inventions, I think this is Mason's favorite

@ Pizza Limone with my tired little buddy. So glad he slept the drive home!

What are Mormons?

Hawaii

Wonderful to have a change in pace, enjoy the sunshine, and spend some quality time with Nate. It was both of our first time there. Here's a review of each day:

Day 1:

Arrive at the Airport

Pali Lookout

Diamond Head

Ono's

Leonard's Bakery

Lanikai Beach

Drive to North shore

Day 2:

Watch the Sunrise over Turtle Bay

Tedd's Bakery

Surfing Lesson

Shrimp Shack

Giovanni's for shaved ice

Snorkeling at Shark's cove

Temple night at Laie Hawaii Temple

Day 3:

Kualoa Ranch

Kahuku Grill

Waimea Valley

Polynesian Culture Center

Day 4:

Lighthouse Lookout

Hanauma Bay

shopping

Day 5:

World Surf Championship pipeline beach

Pearl Harbor

One night stay at Marriot Ko Olina Resort

Day 6:

Fly home to Vegas

Stay at Grandma and Grandpa Freeman's house that night

Day 7:

Arrive back in Springville to pick up Mason and take him home.