Grin and "Barrett" Family Reunion 2009

Yes, we attended yet another family reunion this summer. Over the 24th of July weekend we headed up to Island Park, ID, which is near Yellowstone. Justin's aunt and uncle have two cabins up there and we were able to stay in the Big Springs cabin with Justin's parents, Chris and his two kids and Thomas. Oh, I can't forget Chris' 16 year old dog Dallas and our puppy Caddie. We all fit, but barely. We had 5 beds for 11 people. Justin, Brynne, Barrett and I all ended up sharing the king bed. Justin and I figured that was better than us and Barrett sharing a double, which was our other option. It was only for three nights. Anyway, we had a great time despite the mosquitos. Here's some documentation of the trip.

Barrett shooting "webs" at me during the drive up.

Spiderman officially takes precedence over Cars with him now.

Kathy and I were in charge of dinner the second night.

We made pork chalupa in our crock-pots and made

these yummy peach, apricot and blackberry crisps

for dessert.

We all gathered together for dinner each night at the

Box Canyon cabin. Here are some of Justin's uncles and

his aunt Kay relaxing after dinner.

Aunt Shelley and Cousin Elizabeth wrapping up Blythe's prize.

One night we had games for the kids and Justin's grandma

K-K brought up all sorts of treasures from her house for

the prizes. Blythe chose a set of shot glasses shaped like

mugs. I think she's planning on using them with her dolls.

Here's Brynne showing off her prize a circa 1960's

miniature address book with pen.

Barrett chose a small brass gong!

Chuck and K-K, who is 91 years young.

Not the best photo, but the only one I took of K-K.

We were glad that K-K decided to come to the reunion

even though Grandpa Verl wasn't well enough.

Chuck, Alex, Barrett and Thomas.

Cousins Alex and Barrett Petty.

Caddie had lots of canine companionship.

Micah was a good sport and played with her.

Emma and Blythe, not too old to play dress up yet.

The three girl cousins decked out in their finery.

Sunday morning before we left for Yellowstone.

This one has Justin's parents in it too.

All of us stayed in the cabin you can see behind us.

Justin and his twin brother Chris spent all day Friday on a guided fly fishing tour. Justin caught a huge 20" trout in the first half an hour, which sort of ruined the rest of the day for him. Not really! Justin's Dad and Uncle Steve took Kathy, me and the kids on rafts down Henry's Fork of the Snake River, which runs past the Box Canyon cabin. We had a big water gun fight for most of the way until the little boys got too cold. We saw Justin and Chris on their fishing tour, which the kids thought was fun. The next day the kids did bike riding, fishing and canoeing with Justin, Chuck and Chris. I stayed at the cabin with Caddie and got to do some reading. The canoeing trip got started a bit late and then got cut short by a severed wind and thunder storm. Uncle Steve and I had to drive over to rescue the canoeists. They took shelter in a cabin on the Big Springs section of the river. Luckily, the owners were there and let them in. The kids won't forget that part of the trip in a hurry. We had a great time visiting with K-K, Steve, Daryl, Paul, Shelley, Bruce, Kay, Elizabeth, Ben, Katie, Ashlyn and Emery. There were only 23 of us total, but we had a fun time anyway. Hopefully next time more of Justin's cousins will be able to attend. The last Grin and "Barrett" Reunion was held in 2004 and the kids are hoping we can have another one sooner next time.