THE GEORGE BAYLES REUNION 2014

view from our rental housse

This week has been great because we spent it getting ready for the family reunion at Bear Lake and actually going.  Only Kristin was left out because of her surgery; many pictures were sent to her.  Monday Tiff and the kids came and Tuesday Dave,  David , Baylie and Jalen came.  David came in first so we took the kids for Dinner and went back to the airport to get Dave.  It worked out so well.  That day Tiffani, Shanelle and Bethany did the shopping for all the food that would be eaten. The kids played in the back yard.

I was so worried about my little bird family that Dad bought some worms so they would have penty of food.  The girls named the worms and played with them----in my house.

Clara and Lauryn

The birds have really grown.  One must not have hatched, or died because we only have four.

 hungry

 older but still hungry

Wednesday we all headed out.  It was a good travel and we made it in 3 1/2 hours.  It took us awhile to find the house but when we did we were excited at the beauty of it.  It was perfect.  Erik, Shanelle and family arrived soon after and then Dianne and kids.  Ashley came with Erik.  Tyler had to work and study.

We settled right in and had a wonderful dinner of hot dogs on the grill by Dave.  We love hot dogs.  Kristin had spent hours on a family game that we all bombed.  She had a page with 30 sayings sent to her by each of us about something we felt no one would know who it was.  It was amazing what we found out about each other.  We were so shocked to learn new things about people we thought we knew.  We laughed our heads off.  Then David showed projections on the wall of each of us when we were young.  Again we missed so many.  It was just so darn much fun.  We laughed and laughed. 

 Later we made our first of many runs to La Beaus milkshake place.  WOW!  Only one size is served and it is not small.  Can’t believe I never took any pictures of it.  Best raspberry shakes we have ever tasted. 

Every family had their own bedroom and we had the master. 

 great bed

dining room

 Before going to bed we had family prayer.

The next morning, after their bike ride, we had a great pancake and sausage breakfast served by Erik and Shanelle. 

Tiffani conducted a few fun craft projects that the kids thoroughly enjoyed.

 shrink art and braiding

 waiting for the shrink art

  After the kitchen cleanup and the crafts we headed for Bear Lake.  Our rented home was in Garden City, just a few miles away.  The view of the lake from our home was breathtaking.

We played for hours in the water.  The best thing about Bear Lake is that it has such a nice sandy beach which continues into the water.  The kids could go 30 yards into the water before it was even to their waists.  Parents didn’t even have to worry about them. 

 Olympians

Rub a dub dub 3 boys in a tub.

all alone but shallow

Many pictures are of Kristin's kids because I took them for her.

 We had some water toys we took from home.  Thank goodness for trucks.  We had 2 lounges, a river raft, and 2 rubber boats. 

 Don't think we're going far or fast

 There was never a dull moment.  They had a great game of baseball.  

always time for lunch

bathing beauties

 Kids absolutely love to bury each other in the sand.

liked this

At about 3 o’clock Scott and Bethany came.  Scott had to work so we brought Ava with us.  It is so much fun just playing in the sand.

 Around 6 we headed for the house.  Clark and Tyler got there soon after.  We had a yummy dinner of taco salad prepared by Tiffani. 

 After dinner we headed for more milkshakes.  

 mode of travel

When all were stuffed we went back where Erik gave a great lesson on staying close to the Savior.  It was done so well; everyone stayed tuned.  

After family prayer the kids fell asleep before their heads hit the pillows.  I think the adults did too.

Friday morning breakfast was prepared by Dianne in that Clark, Erik and Scott rode their bikes for 30 miles.  Bethany ran by herself.  What a woman.  After breakfast we all headed to the lake again.  Everyone was their but Kristin.  We missed her so much.  I took tons of pictures and sent them to her so she knew what we were doing and that her children were still alive.  I realize now that I got very few of Clark's family 'cause Hailey had such a great camera and took pictures.  I didn't even take any that day.
At noon Tiffani had rented 4 jet skis for 4 hours.  At 2 she had reserved a water trampoline.  No pictures there 'cause the tramp was so far out.  Even the little ones jumped.  A wind came up so it was a bit cold out of the water but it didn’t stop anyone.  We all had so much fun.  After returning the toys we headed back to the house.  We had ordered 3 pizzas that were 28 inches each.  We went to a park and played such fun games and then a huge soccer game.  It was such a success.  There were even 2 pieces of pizza left over.  Imagine that!  

ride back

We went outside when it was getting late and roasted marshmallows over the fire pit.  We had s’mores and roasted Starbursts.  Clark gave a great lesson on missionary work and how we need to be an active part in it.
 Family prayer was said before the milkshake run in that some were too tired to go.  The kids were so tired, many were already asleep.  Not as many went for shakes.

Saturday we were in charge of serving breakfast.  Easy; muffins and juice or cereal.  As soon as we were finished everyone cleaned and packed up to go home.  What a great way to be together without any problems.  We feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family where our Savior is first in their lives.  We have this reunion every other year.   Each year a different family is in charge.  This year was the Jennings'

They buy all of the food and assign a family to prepare each simple meal.  We have a set amount they can spend and so far they have stayed in budget.  We do nothing but go and have fun.  The first year was Martin’s Cove and the handcart history.  Last time while we were on our mission it was at Park City with all the fun activities there.  Who knows what the next one will be.  Erik and Shanelle are in charge.  The years we do not have one the families go to the out-law family reunions.

Before we headed home Erik had us follow him to Montpelier , Idaho, 30 miles to see where I was born.  We traveled with David and kids coming and going.  I did not know just where I was born.  I was always told it was in a place above a bar but when we got there and talked to some people and read signs, we found it was above a store.  It was exciting for me to find out.  We even found the house I lived in until I was 10 months old and moved to Alaska.

Didn't know I owned this place as my name is Nancy Gladys

 my

My dad's office was in this building.

 The hospital was upstairs

My first home.

We stopped at the milkshake place and ate lunch and had more milkshakes.  I don’t know how our trip could have been any better.  It was so wonderful

When we arrived home we found fledgling #3 on the grass and #4 trying to eave the nest.  We couldn't unload because mama and papa bird would fly down right nest to our faces.  We have had a fun time watching them encourage the last one to fly.  He is still in our back yard and seems to have no intention of leaving home.

 #3

#4

Sunday morning Baylie and Jalen got up so good.  Our meeting is at 9:00, so I thought they would be too tired but they showered and were ready on time  It was a special day in that it was our 48^th wedding anniversary.  What a great way to celebrate; with family.
Kristin has posted a blurb about our anniversary after this blog.

 

David and the kids made both flights home which is something in that they fly stand-by.  Kristin was so ready for them.  So glad they could be with us.  After we left the airport we went to see my brother, Milt.  He is now at a rehabilitation center and is doing very well.  We are again so blessed.  He had a great attitude.  He will be there for 2-4 more months.   We ended here because the reunion had indeed ended.