Hiking the back of Mt. Timpanogus

We went on a family hike to Stewart Falls (which is in the back side of Mount Timpanogus).  As a family we made this hike last year.  I think it is becoming a new family tradition. 

Grandpa led the off the hike with all the younger kids following closely behind.  (Have you ever heard of the Piped Piper?  Something about this picture makes me think of that children's tale).

And just like last year, we started off int he wrong direction, had to turn around, and went the right direction.  By this time, the kids were intermingled with the adults and the really little guys were given much needed help or holding from the adults.

Here's my SIL with her youngest on her back.  (In the background is my SIL's sister who was visiting and joined us for the hike.  She did a great job on the hike and being that far along in her pregnancy).

We got to the lower falls and were surprised at the glacier.  Last year there was no glacier but this last winter had so many snow storms that there was still snow at the waterfalls.

SM hiked to the upper falls and took this picture of the glacier snow next to the falls.  Cool, huh?!!

Here's a group of us at the upper falls.  Plus, the kids decided to stay near Grandma and Grandpa because they had the snacks.  I have some smart nieces and nephews.

SM was a good sport and carried this guy on his shoulders for the majority of the hike and afterward, this little tike didn't want to leave SM's side.  He asked SM to sit next to him during lunch...so cute!

I didn't know that the gate had a sign on it.  My SIL took this photo and it makes me laugh!  Those are the small happy moments that life gives us.

And another family tradition completed!  And hopefully I can be around to participate again.

FHE Running Activity

In July, for Family Home Evening (FHE) we all got together at the track and decided to have some races.   Honestly, I've never been involved with track or races.  In high school I stayed away from the track...I was in art and choir and stayed away from all athletics.  And now...I run...and enjoy it.  (It's all very strange).  But back to FHE, we ran some races and had a blast!

We had races with the little kids, the middle size and the adults.

My oldest niece was fast.  I love this photo...doesn't she look great!

The youngsters took a break on the bleachers.

And I participated in my first race...ever.  (I'm sure I had races as a child but as a person older than 12 years old, this was my first race).  And at least I was smiling in this race.

And I didn't come in first place, or second place...

But at least I was determined...even if I came in last place.  And I had fun!

And here's my nephew...who raced SM and his father.  And he did well.  He didn't win but I think in a couple years he just might be the fastest in the family.

SM's father and sister raced.  My FIL was determined to win...and I don't remember who won but it was very very close.

SM was the fastest adult in the group.  He ran shorter runs and longer runs and I don't remember if he won them all but he did get the prize at the end of the activity.

SM and some of his siblings.  What a fun family to be part of.  We had a great summer with lots of family activities!

Grandma's 90th birthday party

SM's two grandmother's both had their 90th birthdays this summer.  We were blessed to be able to attend both of their birthday parties.  This is Gma W., my MIL's mother.

We were able to visit with family members.  I was able to meet SM's cousins, aunts and uncles.  Some of them I had met before at my wedding reception but that was seven years ago.  It was a great environment to get to know family better.

Can't tell that these two are related, can you?

Brothers?  They both made this look when I took their pictures...not knowing that the other had made the same look.

Here is SM's Grandma (90 yrs.) and Grandpa (94 yrs.) together.  I think it's great to have those odds in the gene pool.  My side hasn't been so lucky with the long age genes.

SM and his brother spent an hour or so at the barbecue cooking chicken for everyone.  Here he is eating some of his hard work.

Again, what's with the brother thing?  These guys are gross, but great!

Here's my beautiful SIL and her youngest!

A 90th birthday is a great reason to get together with family and celebrate.  And when I turn 90, I hope I have lots of family surrounding me to help me celebrate the day.  (The photo above is SM's younger sister).

Third Family Reunion

The third family reunion was for my father's mother side of the family.  Here are my cute parents getting ready for a game.

Let the reunion begin...  It is nice being part of so many families and learning about my ancestors.  At this reunion I got to learn about my Grandmother's brother who never married.  I knew him personally and as a teenager, I painted a set for his fourth grade class's operetta.  At this reunion, I got to know more about his letter writing skills.  He wrote to his baby sister often and he'd write in the third person.  She read some of his letters to us at the reunion and encouraged us to write often.

Let the games (with hula hoops) begin!

My cousin (who seems to be sucking on some candy) and his wife are playing one of the family reunion games.  This cousin recently was made bishop of his ward.

At the end of the reunion, the kids were sent out into the field for the traditional sling-shot.  There they try to catch the water balloons that are tossed out and after all the water balloons are gone, candy is shot out to the kids.  Lots of fun!  This tradition has been happening for a lot of years.

Another Family Reunion

We had three family reunions in 24 hours.  This one was for my mom's side of the family. Usually this reunion his held on the 4th of July to celebrate my grandparents wedding anniversary.  This was the first year I have ever known it to be held on a different date than the 4th of July.  We only had about half of the family there but I still had a good time talking to cousins, aunts and uncles.

Here's my mom's sister and her husband.  You wouldn't have guessed that my mom could have a blond sister, but she does...in fact, she has two blond sisters.

I love this photo of my SIL.  She is such a beautiful person and has many great talents.  One of those talents is that she is a hard worker and I love that talent (probably because I consider myself to be a hard worker also).

Isn't that a sad face?  (Makes a great photo).

Here's my cousin and one of her cute daughters.  Fun picture, huh?!

I know that this photo is blurry but look at those girls...they are cousins, not siblings, yet they look like twins.  Wish I could have taken a better photo but this is what I have.

This is my cousin and my sister.  My cousin was my very best friend for many years and my next door neighbor as we grew up.  And now we are all growed up!

Had to get some photos of the lil' uns.

And lots of fun on the hill with the ball and an Uncle that doesn't say "no" to fun!

Did I mention fun?  Yep, that's what happens at a family reunion.