June came and went.

Not sure how, but June just got completely away from me. That seems to happen a lot lately. Also, I was terrible at taking pictures for all our activities. 

We spent some at Logan's Summerfest Arts Faire. It takes place at the Logan Tabernacle. There were so many things to see and do. They has an arts and crafts area for the kids. The girls made foam visors, plastic sun catchers, and pinwheels. There were booths all across the lawn of the Tabernacle with art work from all different medias; glass work in both stained glass fashion and blown art work, oil paintings, watercolor, photography, recycled art work, crafty decor, etc. Some artists drew and painted on location. There was even a section for side walk chalk art. Here, they had boards set up for kids to draw on.

Girls helping with chalk art.

Finished work.

 We also had the annual Watterson Family Reunion in Ophir, Utah. Great camping ground. We arrived late Friday night and set up the tent. The girls loved sleeping in the tent and managed to stay wrapped up this year so they stayed warm. They played on the play ground and all over with their cousins. I made some pillow cases for the auction.

We tried fishing a couple more times. Once with Grandpa Steve in Wanship and another time here in Wellsville. Daddy snagged a small fish in Wellsville and Ellie helped reel it in. It managed to get free before we pulled it to shore for a pic though.

Ellie and Daddy fishing. 

We also drove to Lava Hot Springs to spend some time with the youth from our previous ward and hang out with Jake's brother and his family. It was a pretty drive and after seeing it, I really think we will try to go back and staying to play. 

Of course, mixed in with that we played across the street and at parks and what not. Just can't believe it came and went so fast.

Back in Utah

So after what seemed like forever of not seeing family (with exception to grandmas' visits), we finally made a trip back to Utah. And like most of our trips, it was jam packed with things. We spent all the time with family so that Ellie could be reacquainted and Sammi could be introduced to everyone.
Part of the reason for our trip was the annual Watterson family reunion. This year it was in Ophir (an extremely small town further west than Cedar Fort. Grandma Bonnie was nice enough to let us borrow her motor home for the trip which was nice and rough for the same reason; the wind.

Ellie loved playing with all her cousins and 2nd cousins.

Millie, Ellie, and Becca painting rocks.

Becca and Ellie doing a cake walk.

Eating her cupcake.

Becca enjoying her cupcake.

Hayley really enjoying her cupcake.

There were crafts, activities (rock climbing, zip line and a movie), and the raffle. I made some hoodie towels for the raffle but forgot to take a picture. Trust me, they were very cute.

Since we were in Utah with family, we decided it would be best to bless Sammi with everyone around. Rob and Kris were kind enough to let us use their house for the whole shindig. Of course, I was terrible at taking pictures again (none with Ellie and Sammi or just Sammi wearing the dress).

Proud parents

Grandma and Grandpa Watterson

Grandma and Grandpa Gledhill

Sammi's great-grandma Bonnie

It was a perfect day and Sammi was such an angel. She was patient and happy with everyone passing her around.

We also drove downtown to see the new City Creek mall. That is a really fun place. I think the people who worked on it did a great job. The fountains are great. We also went out to dinner to celebrate Jake's and Stefanie's birthdays and spend some time with old friends. We celebrated my mom's birthday with Annie, Brian and their family (by seeing their new house, having dessert, and playing games).

Grandma and Poppy Gledhill took us to Tracy Aviary. They have done a lot of work around there and I think Ellie had a blast.

My dad catching a falcon as a helper.

This is how Ellie and Poppy measure up.

Poppy, Ellie, and Daddy walking through the Seven Canyons water fountain.

We really had a great time in Utah with family.

Watterson Family Reunion 2011, Granby Colorado

This past weekend was the fabulous, famous annual Watterson Family Reunion. This isn't just a small thing here. Watterson family reunions entail a lot of history and too many Watterson man genes in one place. Who is involved in this production? It started with Jake's great-great Moses Watterson. Someone from the families of each of Moses' children take turns planning the reunion. Most of the people who come are 2nd and 3rd cousins and cousins removed.

Side note: I finally looked up some genealogy terms. Cousins or 1st cousin share the same grandparents, 2nd cousins share the same great-grandparents, 3rd cousins share the same great-great grandparents, etc. Removed means a different generation. For example, your mother's cousin/1st cousin (they are same generation) becomes your cousin/1st cousin once removed. If your separated by more generations, it will be twice or 3 times removed.

Back to the story, so we took off to Granby, Colorado. We arrived just a little before 6 on Thursday but we only had a 2 hour drive. Sadly, our tent was traveling with Jake's family who had an 8+ hour drive. They didn't get there until 11-11:30. Gratefully Jake's cousin once removed had room for us to stay the night in the cabin.

Ellie was excited to have kids to play with. She loved playing with her cousins and extended cousins.



Cool chicks taking over.

We went for a hike the next day to Adams Falls (I think that was the name). 

 

Ellie walking with her new friends; Nya, Brody, and Kristine.

 

What great hikers.

It was just a short hike and Ellie wanted to hike/run as fast as the older kids. She did walk the whole way. It was a gorgeous hike. Silly me didn't snap a picture of the actual falls.

All the kids enjoys jumping off this large rock to either Jake or Russ. Once Ellie started, we couldn't get her to stop.  

2, 2, jump is how Ellie counts.

Later that afternoon, while Ellie was napping, some of us took off to go rock climbing near Devil's Thumb ranch. Jake bought a book from some locals and received directions to find the place. It was some good climbing. I was really impressed with the kids. Maddie, Jessica, Gracie, Avery, Zach, and Cody all made some great climbs. I think the scariest part (besides repelling down after climbing to the top) was crossing the small bridge that had all but been ripped out by high running rivers. None of the planks were secured to the logs they sat on.

Camping wouldn't be the same without a fire, smores, and stories. I think there were at least 7 different conversation going on the whole night. Ellie doesn't seem to understand the danger of fire yet, which was a little scary as she would walk around the pit like any adult would.

Sitting around the campfire

We snuggled into our tent to sleep in 40 degree weather. Wiggle worm Ellie wiggled out from under the blankets and woke up freezing in the middle of the night so she slept between Jake and I. That is she slept with her feet on one of us and head on the other until she settled in and I could move her straight again.  As you can see, Ellie has awesome bed head in the mornings. 

Good morning sunshine.

There was a great little playground area for the kids which Ellie spent most of her time swinging. But she did enjoy a game of tether ball or one cousin swinging the ball and running away while Ellie waited for it to hit her.  

Ellie and Nathaniel playing "tether ball"

Saturday always brings the family potluck lunch and raffle/auction. There was plenty of good food and lots of items for raffle. I don't know who enjoys the raffle more, the adults or the kids. A good chunk of the men missed this because they handed money over to their wives and took off to go rock climbing again. Sadly after 3 hours, one car returned after they couldn't find the climbing spot or the other car, without climbing.

Then there were games galore for the kids; a coin and candy search in the sand box, water balloon toss, bingo, etc. 

Ellie was more concerned with finding candy until Daddy showed her money.



Swinging with Daddy.


While the kids played, the adults were able to have a genealogy lesson and watch old reunion videos. It was neat to hear the story of how 2 great grandpa Moses' family joined the church and where the Watterson's came from.

The next morning was clean up to head home. Ellie helped clean things up. 

Once things got to the point that she and Rebecca couldn't help, we had to find other things for them to do. Sometimes they just entertained themselves.

It is fun to meet the people in the extended family, even though this is generally the only time we see them. Besides, the reunion is always a good excuse to go camping since most Wattersons are outdoors men. 

Catching up!

I can't believe what a slacker I am. Actually I can. Time just passes so quickly and I hate being on the computer after work because I spend all day on the computer. So here are some things that have happened since last post (be aware we have been busy).

Teeth - I don't have a good picture but Ellie has gotten teeth. The 2 bottom middle ones and 2 on top. Oddly enough, they aren't the middle ones on the top. They are the side ones. She has looked like a little vampire for about a month now. Finally the 2 top middle ones are starting to come in. What a trooper!

Memorial Day weekend - We didn't do anything special for Memorial Day. We did visit Grandpa Watterson, Grandpa Bob, Chelsea, Grandma Lue and Grandpa Lee. Also, my sister camped at the old Memorial day spot, Wasatch Mountain State Park. My mom stayed with her over the weekend so we went up for an evening. This was Ellie's first experience "camping". I think she enjoyed it. There was dirt, her cousins, marshmallows, chocolate, and all that fun stuff. I'm sure she wished she could walk. I am glad she couldn't, especially after seeing all the dirt and trouble Braden got into.

Highland Games, June 11th - We went to the Highland games with Ellie's Uncle Marc, Aunt Cassie, and cousin Becca. It would have been more fun had it not been raining so hard. It was fun/funny to see so many men in skirts, I mean Kilts. :) Luckily we were able to be there for the opening of the Tatoo. No not tatoo's on your body, but the bagpipe contest. It was amazing to hear 4 groups of bagpipers march in playing songs to start off the competition. Ellie was so shocked.

Aunt Calee's Wedding - My sister Calee got married on June 24th to Devin DeMann. It was such a beautiful wedding, but how could it not be with how good looking my family is. It was a little hot outside but we managed to survive. Ellie was a doll. She loved it.

The wedding was at Millenial Falls in Draper. They have a gorgeous garden and waterfall in the back of the reception center. It was fun to be all dressed up. A family friend was nice enough to snag some family photos for us all prettied up.

Of course we had to find food to eat between the ceremony, pictures and the reception.

Jake didn't seem to mind being dressed up all that much.

Calee looked gorgeous and seemed to enjoy it. I thought it was a great wedding.

The next day after Calee's wedding, we left for Idaho for the Watterson Family Reunion. This isn't a small, close family thing. This is the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc from Jake's Great-Grandpa. I believe it is the familys of Grandpa Woodrow's siblings. I think we have been all but one time since we have been married and oddly enough I don't think I have ever seen one of Jake's cousins there.

We did spend some time talking with family, rock climbing, and even swimming. Swimming wasn't that enjoyable. We thought the water would feel good after a hot day full of rock climbing. Unfortunately because the pool is close to a hot springs, they let to pool heat naturally. I think it was about 60 degrees, but Ellie stayed and played in the water until I took her out because of purple lips and shivering.

Oakley Rodeo, July 3rd - We went to the Oakley rodeo with Jake's family. It was so much fun. I haven't been to the Oakley rodeo in years. Things have changed quite a bit. Ellie also loved it. She thought the horses were great although the fireworks at the end startled her a bit.

July 7th - the 9th Jake went rock climbing with some of his brothers to the City of Rocks in Idaho so Ellie and I spent some girl time with my mom and sisters. On Wednesday we went boating. I was so excited because it has been almost 2 years since I had been waterskiing. Calee and I got one ski in each and noticed the fuel was low. So unfortunately I have only skiied once this year.

The next day we went to Gardner Village to the petting zoo and to do some shopping. We had a good time. After doing a little shopping, we ate dinner at Archibald's.

Jake and I played on 2 co-ed softball teams this year. One on Tuesday night and one on Thursday. We loved playing and Ellie loved cheering us on. She was such a trooper to come hang out at our games. We were league champions for both teams and Jake was the number 1 batter for both leagues. We had the best teammates as well. I can't wait until we can play again.