Growing Older Together: Rose Family Reunion (Minus Matt, Sara, and Kids) July 27, 28th, 2012

It has been a crazy, busy year and we just didn't get on the ball early enough to get a date to get together. We were extremely fortunate to find two days that we were all at least somewhat available. We felt that the short amount of time we did have needed to be devoted to just letting the cousins play together and the adults enjoy each others' company as well. So we planned nothing except the food, of course, and we made that as easy as possible! We met at Brad and Lori's (a big shout-out for their hospitality) where all the cousins had a wonderful time swimming in their pool for hours on end! Some of the adults also got in on the action as evidenced in some of the pictures below.

It goes without saying that we always have a talent show when together. This is a highlight for Grandpa and me but is enjoyed by all. The grandkids have varying talents as do the adults. We don't care what they do, we just like them to do something! We appreciated this year that Julie expressed something about Cindy that she loves and respects...that being that Cindy has more discipline than anyone else she knows. And that is the truth. If she sets a goal, believe me, it will be achieved. As Julie cited, there are very few days that Cindy doesn't wake up early and run for several miles. We could say the same for DJ. Julie then proceeded to share something beautiful she had written about both the joys and the frustrations of motherhood. Writing is a talent she has been working to develop. Go to her Mother's day posts this year to read it. It was honest and very beautiful. Those things veered away from the normal amazing piano playing and singing that we generally do and it was delightful! Morgan and Kate were our MCs and did an amazing job complete with jokes and fillers between numbers. We have so many varied talents some of which are easier to share in this venue than others. Thanks to all who participated. It is always a joy to hear Lori sing. She is pure entertainment and musical talent! The Teichert and Wilson kids who attended music camp performed their solo numbers which were amazing! Brigham talked about his love for playing ball with pictures included. Lily sang while Chloe danced (her original choreography) and Todd did a little drum solo after some persuasion. He has a real love for percussion and a talent for it as well. I will post about Music Camp later. Cindy has posted videos on her blog of her kids' solos and I will post Kate's on mine.

Another highlight was the outdoor movie. Todd made a movie screen which he put up at the far side of the pool after dark. With Lori and Brad's technical help, we were able to watch The Adventures of Tin-Tin by moonlight complete with popcorn and theater candy provided by Grandma and Grandpa. We stayed up much too late, but we had a ball! Thanks for the efforts made to pull that off.

Cindy ran the 3rd leg of the Spudman Triathlon on Saturday morning in Burley. Though it was impossible to get parking and a place for everyone to cheer her on, she did a fantastic job! Way to go, Cindy!

As is typical of Brad, he decided to make it extra fun for the kids by building a candy cannon. With Lori's help, he stuffed it full of goodies time and time again to shoot into the air for the kids to gather! They made a haul!

It was honestly just fun to not be pressured to do any one thing at any one time! We just relaxed, visited, and enjoyed watching the kids enjoying each other! Cousin time is so important and they love being together!

The only thing missing was a surprise in person visit from Matt and Sara and kids! We were holding out hope that it would happen, but since money doesn't grow on trees and time is an issue, the next best thing was a visit by SKYPE from the Rose family! Thank you so much, Matt, for making that effort! Next time we get together as a family, you will all be there and we can't wait, rest assured!

Thank you again, Brad and Lori, for your hospitality and kindness in letting us gather there!

Mark your calendars for next June 26th-30th for our family reunion in Island Park at the Gathering Place Cabin near Mack's Inn! We are giving you lots of notice so nothing interferes! We'll have plenty of space, and plenty of fun will be had by all! LOVE YOU, FAM!