Some of My Favorite Photos from the Reunion

Lee contemplating future damage to his Atv’s. Little did he know that Richard would barely be able to walk away from an accident that scared the life out of Jonathan, and Richard also. After prayer, blessings, tears, and run into Yellowstone for pain meds, Richard is finally hobbling around as we speak. Those Atv’s look so fun, and harmless but underneath lurkes injury!

Nurse Jacqui! She wanted to sew Richard's third eye closed with fishing wire. He Declined!

Award for best use of an ATV!

Kelly was in heaven at the cabin. He was a “heat-packing, hot hancho!” We may not have food storage but we’ve got fire power. They went up each day and did I don’t know what, but we could sure hear them.

Does this picture scare anyone else as much as it does me? Janae and a gun????????

We loved having a campfire everynight. Lots and lots of s’mores made and eaten. I think Kelly was the king of even roasting and then finished the night off with games of “washers,” that Darin brought. The competition was stiff and I think I actually excelled……..

Lots of time to bond. Whenever we went out the kids would pile in the back of the pickup.

Bonding over meals which went quite well. Chris’ kitchen was equipped like a restaurant. Lots of hungry appetites made in the fresh mountain air.

Too many cooks do not spoil the pot for me!

We were happy to have Alexis along. The kids loved her and she was always there with a smile. Hope you had fun Alexis.

Of course, how could you have a party without my brother. He is all things good and makes everyone smile. Three days your limit,huh? You thought we were going to a beach?

The next generation loves him as much as the first. Always had little kids he was taking care of. Good practice for Aubrey’s surprise! She is expecting in March!!!!!!

More Male bonding!!!!! Good thing, these boys are out-numbered 7-3!

Sand castles in the horseshoe pit……..

Some of my favorite pictures of such a beautiful, cool, clean mountain air place. Thanks for the memories Chris and Lee!

Until next year!! WHO SAID THAT! WHO SAID THAT!

Families Are Forever: My Obsession!

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been very aware of family and relationships. They have always been my highest priority and still continue to be. I had the best childhood and life actually, and it is all because of the people that have been so important in my life. I also have an overwhelming feeling about ancestors that have passed on and ones that I have not even met, so I guess you could say that the “Spirit of Elijah,” resides in me.

Having said that, I try to do everything that I can to make sure my family stays close to one another and that we support and encourage each other. I have always thought that just being “together,” was very important and now people seem to be spread all over the place. SSOOOOOOO, a family reunion seemed like the answer. I started planning this last year in hopes that even our Oklahoma family would join us. I started looking at places all over the map but finally settled on Montana. (I need to tell Lee and Chris how grateful I am for the offer of their beautiful second home in the mountains of Montana. It was more than we could have ever hoped for, certainly more than we could have paid for :) It is one of my favorite spots and the weather was unbelievable. So after many phone calls, many e-mails, hair pulling, coaxing and people backing out, I set in stone the trip to Montana. Let those who will, come! My folks didn’t come because of breathing issues, Uncle Gary didn’t come because he was a poop!, the Treadwells didn’t come because of a wedding…….So the fun people came!

Richard and I went up early to get the food, cabin in order, and make sure the party could start. Chris let me help her make ice cream cakes to take………What fun.

OH, and I found out there are NO Calories in a Dairy Queen Cake!!!!!!

Chris and Lee went to the cabin with us along with Mom, for a couple of days. We had a great time with them. We went ATVing, boating, sightseeing, and just enjoying each other. Well on one of our trips to the lake, (our guide and engineer being Lee, armed and all) he seriously is a funny guy! Plus everyone’s favorite uncle……

Since he was “packing,” we were pretty secure. Then comes Mother Nature…..We were out on the most beautiful lake, Lake Cliff and Lake Wade, and spotted Bald Eagles a plenty. As we get to the back of the lake, Lee says, “I think there’s a storm coming.” Keep in mind, we were in an aluminum boat, in the water, in the lightning and thunder, and then it proceeds to HAIL!

Bald Eagle Nest at the top of the tree.

“OH, Lee, does that look bad……………?”

“Nah, we can make it!”

OH HAIL!!! Precursor to the flu!

Dock covered in the “soft” hail that pelted us all across the lake.

One of my favorite pictures. Richard on the dock with the clouds resting on the lake.

It doesn’t get more beautiful than this. Thanks for the memory Lee and Chris.