, we were getting into Red Canyon ...above is the tunnel that we used to beg Dad to honk in! The drive wasn't too bad all things considered. Sabrina lost it going over the mountain into
, but we think it was just from the altitude/ ear adjustment.
We made it to our
TeePee and unpacked and set up camp. Sabrina was the ultimate trooper, as she
lived in the playpen -but kept a happy smile on her little face.
When we first got there it was already jacket weather! WOO
HOO! *No one digs being dirty from camping AND being hot...
We saw a few key and beautiful points before returning to camp. Above is Lance and myself on the shuttle.
This was Sabrina's only morning nap. *NOTE, my blessed Mother offered to take Sabrina off our hands and keep her in her hotel room over nights -which is what made any of this possible. A HUGE shout-out to Mom and Dad for your help with her!
Here's cute Mia on the shuttle! Ella was too busy socializing to be photographed...
This is us at the Visitor's Center -me strolling
Bri, and Lance and Ella. Mia must have been wandering... :)
Here's a lovely "posed" family photo whereupon Mia decided to pitch a fit, and we told
photogs to shoot anyway, as there wasn't a prayer for moving this little goober.
...She
looks sweet...
That night we went out to eat at Ruby's Inn for the "generational dinner" -we were grouped with others from our generation and were able to catch up a bit... Sabrina had the only decent picture from the meal!
After the dinner, we gathered at the conference room at The Grand Hotel (where Mom and Dad stayed) and had "sharing time" -as we all caught each other up on our lives over the last 2 years.
...There was candy on the tables...
Here's the cute little family picture that was taken of us and later added as an addition to a scrap book for the event (the reunion/ Grandmother's 90
th birthday) on Sunday morning.
Off to
Panguitch on the 24
th! Above is me at the parade (and the side of
someone's VERY bruised arm -Mom, is that you??? Are you okay????).
Mia enjoyed herself running around and gathering candy
(the bag from the parade mysteriously disappeared the next day...).
*The house I grew up in,
Panguitch, Utah!
That night we had a huge dutch-oven dinner. Lance and I were charged with potato duty. We had to do the two ovens separately and then bring them to the family group spot that Dad had rented. ...This worked in Lance's and
Seuao's (Lance's right-hand-cooking-man for an hour or so) favor, as they stayed at our little camp to do the 2
nd, while Rachael and I struggled with babies. Super fun! Above is the cookie that was made to represent me. I am making the same face that the cookie is making -and it's truly, a dead-ringer. ...Thanks, Sarah! The cookie/ family project was a really fun way to entertain kids and provide some fun visiting time.
Can you tell which kid has been camping???
The next morning was Grandmother's birthday breakfast (I had a horrible migraine, which is why I'm MIA in the final pic) -here she's blowing out a very ugly 90
th birthday cake. She was presented with some lovely gifts -especially the scrapbook made by my mother, which was no light undertaking.
I didn't see much of Grandmother during this reunion, and we spoke for maybe a total of 20 to 30 seconds. She was very busy spending time with those whom she wanted to see (as Dad flies her out frequently (see Christmas post, etc.) our family is secondary in priority). My Mom takes this to heart, but it's not a burden she needs to bear anymore --though I understand the mama-bear instinct quite clearly, and see exactly where she's coming from. I have come to a place in my life where I have time for those who have time for me. I consider the reunion an absolute success -no one threw up (VICTORY), and I had an absolutely lovely time seeing adored family members, and enjoying my time with my own family.
SOO much work went into this whole event, and my gratitude goes out to all who contributed to its success. Family is so important to me --to us, and I'm grateful that it's been such a deep and serious priority.
Above is the lil' poster I made for Mom... I feel terrible that she didn't get a banner like Granny's, but I hope that the chocolate makes up for it... (heh heh)
Yesterday we headed to Layton for the celebration of Sarah's birthday. I made beans (again) and cornbread. The main meal was a white chili, which was actually quite delicious!
Ella looks precious here! Her little cheeks are SO sun-kissed. : )
Sabrina and Mia kept themselves busy with Phoebe's toys for a while.
It's rare when Mia will actually stop and look at you while she says "cheese" -so this picture is precious!
Left to right: Rachael, Sabrina, Dave, Lex, Phoebes, Sarah, and Mary! 
After we were settled, we had a weenie roast, and many family members wandered over and said hello!
This afternoon the 
Here's me and Mia taken earlier in the day. :)
We all chilled outside after dinner -here's our gorgeous Lexie with Noah. 
ME!
Granny is such an important and beautiful part of my life. From when I was little, I can recall the feeling of absolute excitement and joy when she'd come to 
Mom asked me to put this banner together for Granny... Not my BEST work, but hard to put major quality out there with 3 kids buzzing around you! 
Oh, and YES, the banner says 80
