Family Reunion

The last family reunion we had Angel was not quite one, so it had been years!  Two years ago I decided we were past due for another and so the planning began.  After two years of planning we had our family reunion last month and it was amazing!  We were missing one family, my step-sister's, but everyone else was able to make it for at least part of the time.  Honestly I cannot wait to do it all again! 

We ended up renting the Serendipity Cabin from Bear Lake Lodging, plus an additional three bedroom town home from the same company.  Our check-in was really smooth and our "cabin" was spectacular!  It was really beautiful on the inside, the beds were super comfortable, and there was plenty of space for everyone.  Then there was the view, we cannot forget the view.  It was breath taking.  Looking out over the sparkling blue lake, the boats, all the lush green.  Beautiful!  The weather was perfect also, staying in the mid to upper 70's. 

Serendipity Cabin

View from my bedroom doorway.

View from our deck.

The first night we were there was Picasso's 8th birthday.  Happy birthday little man!  What a party that was.  Huge dinner, cake, ice cream, presents and THREE pinatas!  We had a pinata for the little ones, a pinata for the teens, and a pinata for the adults.  I have not hit a pinata in years, but oh my goodness was it fun!  I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.  Being blindfolded while swinging a stick at a swaying pinata is a TON of fun!  Especially as you can hear everyone else laughing and urging you on with your swinging.  My sweet husband stayed above on the deck and was the "puppet master" of the pinatas.  Moving them up, down, from side to side and making it that much more fun.

A hike was gone on the next morning.  Unfortunately I had a migraine so stayed in bed.  My husband however actually took pictures!  This is quite the feat for him.  He spent three weeks in Scotland a couple years back and came home with less than 100 pictures.  It was very pitiful really, especially to someone who would have taken thousands!  So when he went on the hike with my camera in tow I really did not expect much in return.  I was so surprised when he returned with over 60 pictures.  He took them throughout the whole hike and it really helped me feel as if I had been there.

Princess and a cousin running through the woods.

Picasso sitting on a funky shaped tree.

Angel and her Grandma walking through the woods.

We spent that afternoon and the next morning on Rendezvous Beach.  My mom had rented a camp site for us, so we had our own private beach. The first afternoon we spent there was REALLY windy.  The wind did not deter us!  The kids still got in the water, volleyball was still played, smiles were seen all around. Then the mosquitoes came out!  It was a horde of mosquitoes.  So much for the bonfire planned that night!  Instead we headed back to the cabin.  Marshmallows were still toasted using the grill and smores were happily consumed.  The second day on Rendezvous Beach included GIANT bubbles and canoes!  My mom brought the supplies for the bubbles and my dad rented two canoes.  Kids were buried in the sand, my youngest brother buried up to his knees while standing up, sand castles were built, bubbles were made, and much fun was had in the water.  Later I found out that Princess had gotten lost for a time!  I feel like a horrible mother for not realizing she was gone.  She had been out on the canoe with her dad and when he dropped her off she got disoriented and walked the wrong way, away from our beach.  Thankfully she was okay, realized what happened and turned around.  Needless to say she stuck close by my side after that.  I am so THANKFUL that no harm came to her. 

My younger sisters did an amazing job planning out a menu for our time there.  There was plenty of food and all of it was wonderful.  We had a great time playing games, hanging out, talking, laughing, and just being together.  I am extremely grateful for the time spent together as family.  For the bonds that were strengthened.  For the love that was shared.  Soon I will start planning another family reunion.  I've been asked when the next one is and everyone agreed that we are not going to wait nine years again.  In another year or so I will start planning the next one, until then I will be happy in my memories of this one.

I truly, madly, deeply LOVE my family!