Reunion!!!

We held the first every RAS Family Reunion beginning with the temple session on the 24th and ending with rather tearful goodbyes on Sunday, the 27th...........not too tearful, because we knew we would see everyone again in a week at Brian's and Candi's. We had such a great time together, though, that we really didn't want it to end. Lisa did such a good job planning everything and making the arrangements. She also took on the major task of "designing" a tee shirt for us. Initially, she asked for input and tried to give people options. In the end she took the bull by the horns and said, "This is what we are doing." I think they were absolutely darling, and exactly what we needed right now............

Pretty good looking, huh? And I love the little saying--I've had that on a small board here for a couple of years..........I'm glad she used it. She didn't go through the family and pick out a figure for each one, but there are 25...........just the number we needed.

We spent an after/evening in the canyon............fun!!fun!!!


Cody was so excited to learn Uncle Kelly was bringing his fishing pole.........they didn't fish long, but they sure had fun getting ready..........




Richard must have been hungry..........he was all for getting supper started. It's a good thing too. It took a little longer to cook than we planned. And, of course, we didn't leave home as early as we should have...........we always wish we had more time in the canyon. And we always say "we need to do this more often".

We got supper "stacked up" and then had time to sit around and visit........we cooked chicken, potatoes and cobbler.........



Brian had his "possibles bag" from a scout camp somewhere in the dim past..........I was impressed!!!! First aid supplies, survival implements..........he worked on starting a fire with flint and steel. Here, his boys are watching him create the spark. IT WORKED!!!! We had a great fire for roasting marshmallows later.......



There were times with the younger ones were left to their own devices.........they were not quite into the visiting. They did all right. It's amazing what can become a toy.........


The next day we went swimming.........had the pool all to ourselves! It was GREAT!!! Sadly, I will confess, I started out with a rather sour attitude--camera ready, but "not getting in the water". And my attitude didn't improve any when told I really should plan on getting wet. Ah me!! Thankfully Daniel had some shorts I could wear. I don't own a swimming suit! After taking a few pictures I did get in. I'm so glad!! I had a great time playing with our grandchildren!!

It didn't take very long for this little one to give in..........

Suzanne enjoyed holding her.

Caleb was "fish for the day". He is obviously very comfortable in the water and enjoys it!


Austin was less thrilled with the water.

He went on several "walks" with Grandpa, aunt or uncle, but he was never very comfortable doing it. Toward the end, he was venturing onto the steps by himself. Maybe next year..........

The "children" played together by throwing balls--water polo balls. A couple of them had to see if they could still swim "their" events from the high school swim team. They did a pretty good job! When the girls ventured to the high dive, the boys couldn't be out done, so we had a few dives and a few more "cannon balls".........and lots of encouragement for the tentative one on the diving board. Daniel won the contest to see who could "make a basket" while zipping down the slide!

We had a wonderful three days and have talked about things to do next year to make it better.

Here's what we started with........

These were added by choice........GREAT choices, I might add!!

The next generation..........

The oldest and youngest--he prayed for her........

All because two people fell in love.........