New Blog

We have moved Blogs. We needed a new blog to start over with our new family adventures~ Follw this link to read all about Joe and Emily from the day they met until now! :)

joeandemilyfairbank.blogspot.com

Temples of Utah

I had a goal this year to attend all the temples in Utah. I got very close to achieving that goal and intend to finish it very soon. I got to see 12 out of the 13. It was an amazing experience to see the difference in architecture from the pioneers to the modern day. I didn't see angels, or have any life changing experiences, but I did gain a stronger testimony and an appreciation for those that came before me and for those I was helping along in their eternal progression. 

April 29, 2009 - Salt Lake City

I have attended the Salt Lake temple many times, along with a few other temples I visited but seeing every one right after the other I was amazed at the ornate detail that went into this temple. I can’t even imagine the work that the pioneers put into this all by hand. No power tools, no assembly lines, just pure hard work and sacrifice. My appreciation for them has grown immensely. I am able to enjoy the beauty of the temple because of the faithful saints that followed their testimonies and the voice of the spirit. 

I had the most wonderful opportunity to go to Siri’s sealing. She is such a sweet girl that I consider one of my very own sisters. It was so wonderful seeing her take the right steps. It was a privilege to be a part of it. Being in a sealing session helps solidify my testimony of the divine role of women and men. It amazes me that God was so smart to make two totally different types of people that can compliment each other so well. Someday I will have the blessing of being sealed to a wonderful man and enjoy the blessings of Motherhood. What greater joy can anyone receive? Thank you Siri for letting me be a part of it. There was no better way to start off my Utah Temple Journey!

April 30, 2009 - Draper Temple

How wonderful it is to have a new temple to attend. The growing spirit of temple work in this church has just blown my mind. Just to think that only 10 years ago there were only 50 or so operating temples and now we have over 130 announced or working. And to think I have 13 of those temples just within a 4 hour drive of my house, not to mention the one I have only 5 minutes away.  What a blessing to live in Utah!

I was out looking for jobs this day seeing as I had just gotten out of school and needed to start saving up money. I decided to go to the temple and have Heavenly Father a part of the job search. I had one offer and interview at a dry cleaners, and although it worked out in my mind while I was in the temple I felt uneasy about committing to the job. I didn’t get there in time for a session so I did inititories. There was such a sweet lady named Sis Carter who was volunteering at the temple that day. While I was pondering my options for the summer she poked her head in and said “I just want to let you know that I love you and your willingness to follow the Lord.” It was so genuine and sweet. Some how hearing that cleared my head and I was able to concentrate on what to do about a job. I pretty much gave Heavenly Father an ultimatum... Either direct me to another job opening before Monday (when my dry cleaners offer expired) or I would take the dry cleaning job. On my way home I stopped into a few other places to turn in applications. I went to payless, which wasn’t hiring, but had an interview, and was hired on the spot. Funny how Heavenly Father works! 

June 11, 2009 - Jordan River Temple

The temple of my childhood. I remember attending this temple often to do baptisms, but since I have been endowed I have had very few chances to attend this temple. I was very surprised to receive a phone call from Taylor Thompson inviting me to attend the temple with her. Surprised in a good way. I wasn’t sure how she was doing and seeing her desire to go to the temple brought my heart a ton of relief. And seeing as I was on my way to the temple Satan obviously didn’t want me to go, so as I was driving there my car broke down (I know not a huge surprise). I called dad, he called Tim and I still went to the temple. The session was wonderful. It calmed my spirits and made all my car anxiety go away. It was so wonderful to pick up my friendship with Taylor again and I hope that temple trips can become a usual activity with her. 

August 27, 2009 - Provo Temple

Audrey, Alex and I headed to the temple to do baptisms. It was a first for me at the Provo temple. It has been a while since I have done baptisms, but I realized I love them just as much as before. It brought so many thoughts of eternal families being in there with Audrey. I don’t know how I would enjoy after life when we pass on if she is not there or the rest of my family for that matter. She is not only my sister but my honest to goodness best friend! Our relationship has grown in so many different ways this summer as we have both strived to build our testimonies. 

August 29, 2009 - Logan Temple

My home ward is trying to do the same as me and is working to hit all the temples in Utah in one year. so since they were all headed out to the Logan Temple I decided to join them. It was a beautiful trip. Both my mom and Audrey were on the road trip. I didn’t have any huge realizations or revelations while in the temple today, but I did feel an abundance of peace. It really is a blessing to have so many temples so close. On our ride back we made sure to stop into the cheese factory and pick up a few cheese curds, along with lunch at the Old Griss Mill. So delicious! A wonderful trip indeed!

September 19, 2009 - Mt. Timpanogos Temple

I met Nik Day at the temple and enjoyed  beautiful session. I had only been there for baptisms and sealings, never a session. I was amazed at the beauty of the chapel. Filled with natural light and soft colors it was so peaceful. I could have sat in there all day. 

I had a hard time concentrating on the session seeing as my cough has taken over my life! Luckily a sweet lady offered me a cough drop and it calmed it down enough that I could begin to listen to the instructions. Despite the coughing distractions I enjoyed the beauty of the temple. I often find myself distracted by the ornate detail of some temples (as beautiful as they are), but love the simplicity of this temple. The rooms are so warm and simple that anyone could feel at home and comfortable there. This has now taken the top position as my favorite Utah temple.

October 10, 2009 - Bountiful Temple

I had rehearsal at the Conference Center early this morning and only found it only logical to continue heading north. I met Fyffe and Alex there. It is amazing to me how when in the temple it is so easy to see everyone the way our Heavenly Father sees them. I saw everyone’s light and desire to be in the temple and to serve the Lord and our ancestors. 

This temple is also simplistic and beautiful. My favorite part about being there was having all of my memories rush back to me about the first time I went through the temple. It was 3 1/2 years ago when we went there late one night and I was surprised and pleased to see my whole family there to support me. It was amazing to have them all in the Celestial room with me. How many people can have that happen? I don’t know how Mom and Dad did it, but they did everything right to have us all turn out this way.

As I sat in the Celestial room I took the time to pray that my Savior of the World experience would be a strong missionary opportunity. Names started to flood my head. I attempted many of those invites, but only a few worked out. One or many, it does not matter. As long as I do as the Lord asks, and I know I helped strengthen at least one testimony. 

October 17, 2009 - Oquirrh Mountain Temple

What a beautiful temple. On the outside it clearly looks like the Rexburg, ID temple, but the inside has the most beautiful grand staircase. I walked in to do inititories and was surprised to find Aunt Alice there. She was volunteering at the temple and I was lucky to have her help with the ordinance. It kept my focus on the eternal family, it’s purpose and importance. It was a perfect addition to the spirit. I was able to then go and sit in the Celestial Room. There was not a soul in there. I found the silence beautiful and a pure help to open my heart to the Lord. I was given the calling earlier that day to be the Relief Society 2nd Counselor. The calmness helped me understand the importance of my calling and showed me that I can achieve anything with the help of the Lord. 

October 24, 2009 - Ogden Temple

Alex was so kind to drive to the temple today. We had some wonderful conversations on the way. This temple is beautiful in a very different way. I find it far more functional than anything else. Simple or ornate it all hold the same spirit and is still consecrated as the house of the Lord. After such a spiritual rehearsal this morning I was so excited to attend the temple. It is amazing how much this show makes me feel like a missionary again. It is my chance to feel everything again, take it and love it!

December 5, 2009 - Manti Temple

It was wonderful to be in the company of five of my friends to road trip and attend this temple. Alex, Adam, Ian, Marie, and Brooke. We laughed and giggled the whole road trip there. Seeing as there were 6 of us we convinced Dad to allow us to take his car. We watched Toy Story 2 on the way and enjoyed it very much. Nothing better than a temple trip and good friends. 

As I walked into the temple I was taken back at the beauty of the main hall. I felt like I was in a European castle. I felt like that all through the temple. Each room had a sense of beauty and antique. It was a blessing to see the craftiness of the pioneers. Pure beauty and sacrifice for the Lord. 

December 12, 2009 - Vernal Temple

Another road trip! This time the weather wasn't as kind. it took us far longer than expected to get there, but we still made it safely. It was a tight squeeze in the car, but endurable. Alex drove with Ian in the front and Alex, Jeanne and myself in the back. 

The Vernal Temple is a refurbished tabernacle. It is beautiful and modern. The painting (The Second Coming) in the Celestial room was breath taking. I have seen it many times, but at the size and magnitude it was I was taken back by its beauty. I enjoyed sitting in there with Jeanne enjoying the peace and quiet and reading from the scriptures. 

December 19, 2009 - St George Temple

This trip I made on my own. I volunteered to take Kimber home from Rexburg so I could have an excuse to go down there. It was nice to be in the temple alone. It has been a while, but I do enjoy the quiet and time to ponder. I had all the time in the world. No one to wait for, no one to wait for me. I was on the Lord's time and enjoyed it very much. It was a beautiful temple and made for a fantastic finish to the year's journey. 

I know I missed one temple, but although it was a missed goal the journey was beautiful and turned me into a better person with a stronger appreciation and testimony of temple work. Now I can continue to go once a week, any temple will do. 

Monticello Temple

To be posted as soon as attended...

Week 1 - Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.

I started my new job at Kindercare this week. So far I have worked in two different classrooms. Two days in the toddlers and 2 days in the 2’s class. I prefer the toddlers, but Kate wants to “utilize my talents” in the older class. I started the week with a whole bucket load of paperwork. You would not believe all the hoops you have to jump through just to be able to work with kids. Background checks, fingerprints, immunizations, resident records, transcripts, and a whole lot more. I spent a good 4 hours on Monday filling out paperwork. The next four hours was spent reading and signing policies and informational sheets. I am really excited to work here, I just needed to get to the working part. 

Two jobs is never easy to juggle! Tuesday is when the week got rough and exhausting. The next three days I was working at Kindercare from 8 - 4 and then Payless from 5 - 10. It was way too much time to be on my feet. Everyday I came home completely exhausted and in a slightly bad mood. I am glad I allowed myself to just come home and relax rather than going out with friends. I really need to stop overbooking myself. It is getting to be too much for me to handle. A day full of stinky feet and stinky diapers can wear someone out pretty quickly. ;) I did however allow myself to go dancing. It was really needed. As bad as my feet hurt I needed to be around friends and just let myself go. I am pretty sure I was more entertaining to watch. I was so tired that my brain and my feet didn’t seem to be connected. Nonetheless it was fun and a nice stress reliever. 

Friday I was left alone in a class alone. I was worried at first, but found that taking care of kids is something that I really enjoy and comes as second nature to me. The 4 little toddlers I had were as sweet as can be. I wish i could stay in this class but know that I am needed elsewhere. After work I hurried home so I could meet up with the rest of the ward for our singles activity. I am determined to feel involved in this singles ward whether I like it or not. So I jumped in Spencer’s car and we drove out to Tremonton. Kind of a long way to drive for a friday night activity, but it was fun nonetheless. 

After having dinner at Megan Menlove’s house we headed out to the Martin Harris pageant. It was a great production! Music, dancing and everything. 

I of course wouldn’t sit with anyone other than Audrey and her friends. We giggled together and even had our little dance party in the parking lot while waiting for the line to shorten. No point in sitting in the car and waiting when you can have your own private dance party.

I am really sad that this is one of the last activities Audrey will be coming to with me. She is leaving back to school as soon as we get back from our vacation. I will miss her and the great social life she provides me! ;)

I hopped in the car once again with Spencer. I thought he was a little better off than I was when it came to directions, but apparently we are both directionally challenged... Somehow we got lost somewhere between the pageant and freeway. 

I was super confused about where we were, and then out of nowhere the Logan Temple popped into view. I guess you really can use the temple for direction. I always thought it was a symbolic thing, but in this instance it really was a beacon in the dark. After a short picture break we got back in the car and knew exactly where to go. I was a little late getting home, but I am just happy we had the temple to point us in the right direction. 

Saturday was a crazy busy day. I woke up to dad singing the help call from enchanted, and if any one knows my dad’s level of musical talent you will know that I got out of bed pretty quickly. Mom had been such a sweetheart and woke up to make us english pancakes for breakfast to start off our busy day. It was so tasty! I love home cooked hot breakfasts. Is their anything better? I think not! 

Audrey and I headed to our next few assignments. First we did DD’s hair for a modeling class she had to be at. I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t be able to do what she wanted, but it turned out very cute and almost exactly like the picture she showed me. As soon as we finished that we headed off to the church to fulfill or duty of cleaning for the month. Of course since we arrived late we were given the assignment of cleaning the bathrooms. Not too bad in a church. I’m just glad they get cleaned every week!

Kylie is One! We had her first birthday party today at Katie’s mom’s house. It was fish themed and as cute as ever! She had fish cake, swedish fish, gold fish crackers, and more! it was super cute and really fun.

While waiting for the festivities to start I noticed that my braid was getting a little loose, so I asked David to do me a favor and braid it for me. No wonder boys don’t do hair. This is the outcome of his sad attempt to braid my hair. Not too bad for a first try... I guess. ;)

As we all know I give up anything and everything to spend time with my family, and this was no excuse. I love not only my siblings but their spouses as my own sisters. Katie is so good to me... maybe it helps that we started off as good friends in high school?... or maybe she just loves me like crazy! I’m hoping for a nice even combo of both. 

Dana and her kids were there too. She might not be an actual member of the family, but I love her still the same. Her family is so adorable! I am so glad that we have been able to stay friends for as long as we have. I mean how easy is it for 2 girls to get along for 15 years. Oh man, I’m getting old!

Kylie enjoyed her cake just as much as the next person. Katie and David love giving their kids their own cake to demolish. Most of the time I don’t think the kids even get to the cake part. I mean when there is that much frosting in front of you why would you even try to get to the cake? Sadly I couldn’t stay for the whole party. I had to take Audrey home to meet a few friends headed to Provo and I had to head down town to pick up Jen and John from the airport. Their car has been at our house for a few weeks now so I took it to them with just enough time for hugs and goodbyes. Off they were back to Rexburg. 

After attempting to get my Saturday jobs done we all decided to go to a movie as a family. We saw Julie and Julia. It was so cute and really fun! it made me want to eat everything I can get my hands on, and cook what ever I want. Now I am sure I want to go to culinary school. There is nothing that I like more than eating! I would recommend this movie to anyone and everyone who even enjoys the idea of food. 

After the movie I finished my saturday jobs, while talking to Meagan. She dropped in to say hello after about 3 months of not seeing each other. Too bad I had to clean the whole time she was there. I guess nothing has changed in the past 6 years. I finished just in time to head to our ward activity. A luau at the Draper pool, which turned out to be a slight flop, seeing as it was so cold. I only stayed for about 30 minutes until I left to go to Doug’s birthday party at the Murray Arts Center. I stole a ride from Alex and enjoyed an evening of laughter and dancing. A full Saturday that was well worth the work and exhaustion.  

Sunday was wonderful! We had ward conference this week with the stake presidency. They all gave fabulous talks on morality and temple attendance. I really need to get back up on that! President De Vissor gave us a challenge to go once a week, and I am more than ready to take that challenge on! There is nothing better than the feelings I get at the temple. We even had a whole Family Home Evening lesson on the temple... I guess Heavenly Father is trying to tell me to get back on the ball with my temple attendance. 

Lily being as sweet as she is wanted to walk around the temple after listening to a lesson on it. So I went with their little family and tugged Audrey along with me. Temples and Families together can’t be beat! It is so wonderful to know that families really can be together forever! 

Not only is it a beautiful building outside, but teaches such beautiful concept on the inside. Learning how beautiful the Lord’s plan is gives me a better perspective of why I go through what I do here on earth. No one will ever take that knowledge from me. I know I am a daughter of God and that he loves me and had a plan set out for me. It is up to me to follow that plan and return to him again! Nothing would be greater than to return to his loving arms and have him tell me “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” 

Ok maybe one thing would be better... to have my family there with me. I remember the first time I went to the temple and seeing my whole family there. There was not a single person missing. Not too many people have that blessing. I am so lucky to have such a strong family. I will not be the one who falls away and ruins that perfect unity! I hope no one in my family does. An eternal family can’t be complete without every member there!  I love them all, and I hope they all know that!

My friends from swing club; Fyffe, Alex, Aaron, Celcey, Mike, and Deb decided to kidnap me from FHE  and take me to see harry potter again. Although I had already seen the movie once, it can’t hurt to see it again. I must admit,  though I loved it the first time, this time was much better. I think watching it when I am awake makes a huge difference. It was a pretty late showing but early enough that I actually was able to remember seeing it. I had so much fun and really enjoyed being with my new friends!

Had a weird experience this week with one of my new friends. Alex Moore asked me to go out to ice cream with him so I could hear about his family reunion and trip to Illinois. We decided Slurpees were a better choice, and headed out to the gazebo at the Draper Historic park to sit and chat. As we moved from small talk into a real conversation I casually asked if he was related in any way to Devin Moore. I thought that there was no way they could be with such a common last name and such a huge distance. I mean Devin is from Texas and I met him in Idaho. How on earth could they be related. How wrong was I? Devin is not only his cousin, but his favorite and closest cousin. I nearly flipped. Here I was on a date with my old serious boyfriend’s cousin. Oh it gets better... I knew he looked familiar when I first met him, but I never said anything because I have a problem with getting myself into embarrassing situations when I think I know someone. Oh no, not this time. I really did know him from before. I had dinner at Grandma Moore’s house right before my mission. He was there too! 4 years ago and it all still is very vivid in my mind. Crazy mormon world! 

Tuesday night was crazy fun! I got to help plan and execute a triple date with Audrey. I guess somehow she managed to get her hands on 6 free tickets to the Ogden Rodeo. We picked up the boys and had a crazy dance party in the car on the way there. We even took the time to dress up and look the part. 

First you have Audrey and Matt, with his crazy stylish glasses. I love how much fun these two can have without worrying about what other people think. 100% pure fun for them!

Maria and Mitch came along as well. They are quite the couple. Insight left and right about absolutely everything. I would get lost just listening to them talk, but enjoyed every minute with them. Personally when it comes down to looking the part I think Mitch wins. His scruff just gives him the tough cowboy look.

And here is Jake and me. Fun fun fun! we laughed and enjoyed taking pictures of all the great things that happened at the Rodeo. I wasn’t too good at catching clear action shots because it got dark so fast, but we still played around with the camera to see what we could get. 

This shot is my personal favorite. I was pretty proud of myself for catching this. Mid air trick! The motor bikes were pretty cool and most definitely got the crowd going better than anything else at the Rodeo.

Too much fun with the crew! It was way too much fun to have on a week night. I hope we can keep this up through the summer. It never hurts to have a little fun and get dressed up every once in a while. Try it! It will change your life! Let go and have a little fun.

I love hanging out with Audrey. I know I keep saying all these great things about her, but honestly I am never exaggerating. She saved me from social suicide this summer and I am so glad! She is my best friend and I look forward to doing this again with her soon!

I had originally asked Bryce Lake to go to the Rodeo with me so we could catch up and make up for the date I have owed him for a good 5 years. Sadly he had other things going on and wasn’t able to come, but when he called me back he had another idea. I guess Keisha, his dad, and himself were headed out to Utah Lake to go boating, so I hopped on that bandwagon and decided to go with them.

I mostly enjoyed the time I had just sitting at the front of the boat, but when the tube came out I was the first to jump on. Steve has no heart when it comes to tubing. He will whip that boat back and forth at crazy speeds. I know it doesn’t seem like we are going all that fast in this picture, but I have bruises and bumps to prove otherwise.

When all the tubing was done we all jumped on for one last picture seeing as only four of us could go on at once. from Laft to right we have Rachel (Keisha’s roommate from BYU), Dan Funk, Me, Bryce and Keisha. It was so much fun.

Keisha and I enjoyed our Zingers on the way home and had the best looking wind blown hair ever! I was surprised at how curly it still was with all that wind blowing it back! Super hot, I know. After a long wait to get into the dock we cleaned the boat, I said my goodbyes, and I headed down town to try something new. Alex and Spencer wanted me to try Blues Dancing. I decided that I was only going to watch the first night. It took a lot to convince them that I wasn’t going to dance, but eventually they got the picture. I sat back and watched and came to the conclusion that Blues Dancing just isn’t my cup of tea. 

What a wonderful experience I had this week when I got to go to the Draper temple and see one of my sect childhood friends go through the temple and finally get sealed to her husband and children. Dana Brooks has been a great friend since I was 11 and her husband Andy Hyer has been a friend from way back when. In fact I am almost certain that David and I can take full credit for their hook up. About 5 years ago they got married in Dana’s back yard with my dad performing the ceremony. At the time Andy wasn’t a member of the church. He had a lot of friends who were and even a grandpa who was still an active member, but never really felt the desire to join. After a few years and a lot of effort from Dana’s family and mine Andy joined the church. I was so happy that Dana stuck with it and was determined to get Andy to understand what she believed. Well This week was the icing on the cake. Wednesday morning I went to the endowment session for both Andy and Dana. I couldn’t hold the tears back. It was so cool to see tow of my best friends make the right choice to go through the temple. I thought that would be all I could see, but as I left the temple I knew that I needed to be there for the sealing as well. I said a quick prayer and called my boss to see if I could come in a few hours late. He said if I could find someone to cover than he was fine with it. Felicia was such a sweetheart and covered me. I raced back into the temple to meet my family before we walked into the sealing room. Dana and Andy came in and the waterworks started all over again. Seeing them get sealed for all time and eternity was priceless. Soon after the ceremony was started the two kids, Bryce and Brooklyn, were brought into the room in their white clothes. Such a sweet moment to remember. I couldn’t stop myself from crying. I swear I cried more than anyone else in that room. Why do we cry when we are happy anyway? seems pretty backwards to me. ;) It was beautiful and I am so happy and honored that I could be a part of it. 

After work I of course headed to the U as usual for a night of fun and friends. Swing dancing there has almost become a addiction. I love getting exercise and having fun at the same time. why would you ever do it any other way? We danced the night away and headed to Dee’s for a milkshake or two. Only problem is that they didn’t have a table big enough for us so as you can see we all piled into one booth. It made eating a little difficult, but fun. Good times with good friends can’t be beat!

Happy Pioneer Day!!! A new added tradition to throw into the mix is a family brunch and swimming. I ate the best pancakes ever, enjoyed a little time with the family, and then headed out the door to my next adventure. 

Mike, Cherry and I decided to take on Utah Lake once again in our canoe. We packed it up in Cherry’s grandpa’s truck and headed out to the lake. In we hopped with Mike as the captain, Cherry as the navigator and me just chilling in the middle enjoying the water and small breeze. We jumped out and swam a bit. We didn’t last long in the water with the smell and fish, but it was too hot to stay in the boat the whole time.  

Part way through our adventure we decided to take on the weedy area of the lake. Mike paddled straight into the brush with confidence like any good captain.  

With no paddle and no opinion I sat as we got stuck in the middle of the brush. I was ready to jump out and push, but then I remembered how many creatures would be lurking in that nasty water. So as any good passenger would do I sat and waited till we reached a safe place. 

With my luck I ended up working on Pioneer Day. Mike and I worked hard to get out as early as we could so we could meet up with Alex to watch fireworks. We headed out to Cottonwood found a place on the high school grounds and watched the great fireworks. The finale was pretty impressive for such a small town. After the fireworks we went to a park and had a picnic with pizza... until the sprinklers went off. Guess it was time to go home.

Saturday I got to spend time with a few of my new found friends. Felicia from work, Fyffe, Alex and I decided to enjoy the weather and take a hike. We hiked to Cecret Lake and had a picnic at the lake. A short simple hike that was very enjoyable. It was beautiful! I wish I could spend all day every day outside.  

After spending half the day outside we continued our activities down town at the gateway fountains. we splashed and played for a good hour. A swing song came on, so naturally we started to dance in the water. 

I felt a little weird breaking it down in the middle of public, but it was fun. I'm so glad Mom let me take her water proof camera so I could catch a few of these super fun moments. 

By the end of the hour we were drenched from head to foot. Not a dry spot on our bodies. But what is the point of going down town in the summer if your not going to play in the fountains? ;)

Dad finally got released form being bishop this week! I hope we will get to see a little more of him now. It was a great sacrament meeting listening to all the great men that have run our ward for the past 5 years. Mom gave a great talk about Dad and his “super suit.” I always knew he was Mr. Incredible! 

June 29 - July 5th

Only a few more days with the family gone. I am getting quite bored and very ready for them to be home again. Seeing as I was over at David and Katie’s I spent some time there with the girls. We had so much fun the night before and the next morning. I love being with my family! 

Even though the family was missing in action for a while we made for it with all the fun we had at our first Collier Family Reunion. With t-shirts and all we stormed Heber Camp with food, fun, and music. As soon as we finished our family pictures we were able to change into our grubbies and have some real fun!

Clearly Dad enjoyed the food the most! Two sausages... really dad?
Bouncing babies! Too cute for words.
I have never seen anyone enjoy watermelon as much as my little Sadie Bug!
I see modeling my future! What do you think?
My sister has the best sister in the world! ;)
Who forgot to zoom out? I believe that would be my mother!
Cheese Gromit! Cheese!!
Chatting it up at the table.
Ahhhhh... High school sweet hearts! clearly it didn't work out! ;)
Nothin' beats a good book out in nature.
Goldilocks and the three bears... this was my family assignment. After convincing a few people to be good sports we told the story with a few fun props. It turned out to be quite funny and entertaining for both the actors and audience.
David, Katie, Lily,  and Kylie
Mike, Des, and Evylee
Jenni, Mark, Payton, and Sadie (missing in action)
With a squeeze and a SMILE!!!
I thought looking up eliminated double chins???
Oh, pretty!
My favorite Nephew! I can say that because he is my only nephew... he he he
Wonderful hot shmoos....
Who picked up these crazies!?!?!
I think they rose a little too much! but still just as delicious as ever!
Oh look, a sight you don't see every day... I"M READING!
No one has a cooler family than me! Who else piles up on a giant pile of sleeping bags!
Trust building obstacle courses... we did alright, but had a rough time all balancing on one little beam.
A few swings later we all landed safely on the wooden plank... but one of these things is not like the other!
How high can you fly... with a little manly assistance? 
The whole crew! I love my family and am so happy we could all have so much fun at this reunion. I hope it keeps happening and that we can always enjoy each other!