Way back in July of 2008 my family had a reunion. It was spectacular. We had a really high turn out. Just about everyone was able to attend. 10 siblings, their various spouses, and most of their kids. Even my divorced parents and their spouses came. Even my youngest brother, Oliver, made an appearance. We considered it a wild success and hoped to repeat it in a couple of years.
We were not able to pull off that success again until this year, that is 13 years later if you are counting. We were a little short on siblings. My mom and youngest brother could not make the trip. And some of the grandchildren were not able to make it either. It was still a really good turn out. This time the hiccup revolved around my dad.
We reunited in the Saint George area of Utah. My dad and his wife, Catherine, made the trip from Hawaii a couple of days early. My dad started having stomach pain and was admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery. He ended up having a second surgery and being in the hospital for the entire reunion. It was a bummer but we still had a good time seeing each other.
My brother, Ebin, brought his drone and piloted it over the neighborhoods.
Lots and lots of time was spent in the pool.
Most of us got our own air bnb places so we had private spaces to rest.
I cannot believe how all those little kids and babies who were the kids and babies at the last reunion are full grown adults or prickly teenagers now.
We got one whole family photo with everyone but dad. Mother Nature decided to gift Saint George with a record breaking heat wave. It was over 110 degrees every day. We were all grateful for air conditioning and pools.
We all took rotations sitting at dad's bedside enjoying his company while he rested.
The reunion extended over the 4th of July. We set fireworks off in the driveway of one brother's Air BnB. No one was injured and nothing but fireworks were set on fire.
Our final activity was a hike through the Kanaraville Falls. It was beautiful as always. The day was hot but we got started early enough for it to be comfortable. Poor Lorien did not have her medication for the day and was so tired. She persevered and kept me company on the hike.
On our very last day the girls planned a shopping and lunch trip in Saint George. It was loads of glorious girl time fun!
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