The Syddall Reunion 2019
We held it in Alton, UT.
We'd never been there before, but had the great opportunity {through Bill's connections} to use a home located there. We really didn't know much about it, but it turned out to be an awesome place to gather, play, and visit. Here's a brief rundown of our time there:
Wednesday, August 7th
Bill, Mar and I arrived first and scoped out the digs.
Britt and Austin, and Tay and Nae arrived a bit later,
(we will try to forget the speeding ticket Tay received while trying to get to a bathroom for a newly potty-trained Evie. C'mon, officer, where is your compassion???)
(we will try to forget the speeding ticket Tay received while trying to get to a bathroom for a newly potty-trained Evie. C'mon, officer, where is your compassion???)
L's B-day was a few days earlier, so V was anxious for him to open her gifts.
Since V is related to Nae-the-perfect-gift-giver, Ellis loved them.
An {awkward} cousin hug followed, and SHAZAAM! the family reunion bonding began.
So sweet.
(We were bummed that Jase, Lex, and M couldn't make it. We missed you guys!)
Bill, Mar, and I also brought our B-day gift for Ellis.
Some tractors and a dump truck -- also a perfect gift, thanks to input from L's momma and inside information that his fave show was Blippi {especially the green tractor episode}.
It's crazy that this little dude is TWO.
Thursday, August 8th
Bryce Canyon National Park Day.
{Nae wasn't feeling good, so she stayed back at the ranch}
This place is soooooo beautiful.
We did the Navajo Loop trail, as it was "only" 1.4 miles.
For some reason a few of us were under the impression that it was rated an "easy" hike... rather than the "moderate" hike it, in actuality, is. Hah.
Let's just say there was a whole lot o' kid carrying going on...
...and a blister for Scarlett, darn it.
V was being "quite contrary" and demanded to be held most of the way. She let Bill and me hold her a little, but for the most part she wanted her daddy-o to do the heavy lifting. Poor Tay.
The canyon was amazing, and I would totally recommend the Navajo Loop... but if you have littles, be prepared to assist them.
Over all, the kids did great, and we made good on our promise of ice cream after we were done.
Friday, August 9th
Play day.
{Great} Grandmas & Grandpas joined us.
We tried making playdoh with cornstarch and hair conditioner.
It was {fairly} successful. It smelled good and was nice and soft.
(Yes, Shi was giving me a haircut in the background. She just passed her State Boards this week. YOU GO, GIRL!!)
The kids colored...
...the guys played pool.
Lots of Qwirkle, Uno, and a couple games of Secret Hitler (at night when the kids were in bed).
**Tay and I were in agreement that Secret Hitler is NOT our game -- everyone else loved it**
Bill took the grands out for an adventure...
(No, V is not asleep here... just being quite contrary haha)
The favorite game of the week was KanJam.
We had yummy food,
saw beautiful sunsets,
and thoroughly enjoyed spending time together.
Saturday, August 10th
Another play day, of course.
Scarlett and Ellis, who were sleeping soundly during the fire-pit session the night before, woke up ready to toast some mallows.
More play, good food, and family time.
{Great} Grandmas and Grandpas headed out late afternoon. It was so amazing to have them there with us!
We played our final games of KanJam, and toasted our final marshmallows.
There's something wonderful about sitting around a fire (even if it's gas), listening to crickets, and looking up at the stars surrounded by your family.
Bill, Mar, and I had to get up early early to drive back to CO for a seminary meet-and-greet at 4pm Sunday. We quietly headed out around 5am.
We took the Loveland Pass detour {again}, thanks to our Google navigator. It was a bit more crowded this time, and we were stressed about making our meeting on time. I think we had 15 minutes to grab our handouts, throw on church clothes, and get to the church. We made it by the skin of our teeth {looking and smelling fantastic}.
I love family time.
I'm so grateful for wonderful opportunities like these to be together.
And I'm always looking forward to the next occasion
(I'm hoping everyone can come for Thanksgiving).
On a side note... Mar's mission papers will be submitted this Sunday. We were hoping to have them sent tomorrow -- the earliest day she could -- but our Stake President only submits on Sunday.
Sunday it is, then.
