This and That in July, Part 2!

 July was great with the family reunion but other things were going on too!

Amelia is keeping busy in Honduras:

It was fun to follow the World Cup soccer games!

Eleanor and Peter had birthdays! 

 Eleanor is 21 and Peter is 19.

The McClellans came early to Utah so they could visit with

 their grandchildren or nephew and niece as the case may be.

And of course to see Courtney...

...and Elizabeth!

We have this nice retaining wall but over the years

 it has become covered with moss

(see below)

Grandpa got a power washer for Father's Day

 and he has been working hard getting rid of the moss and other dirt. 

 (see below!) 👏👏👏

We have also been working on a fun summer puzzle:

And I have been learning some new crochet stitches:

We were also lucky to have David and Jacob come

 after the temple baptistry a few times in July.

We have been serving them dinner...

...and playing games such as Quixx, No Thanks, 

Rack-O, Five Crowns and Flip 7 Vengeance.

I found some popsicle lights that are perfect for our hot summers:

They look "cool" when they are lighted!

Family Reunion Day 4: Thursday

Early morning walk as the sun rises on our last day!

Looking back from the walk, Grandpa got a good view of the house.

The early bird pickleball players!

More fun at the house:

Beach Day today!

Fun in the sand:

And fun on the boat!

(I know there are a lot more boating pictures out there--hoping to get a few more!)

Bear Lake = Raspberry Milkshakes!

An important part of our stay: THE FOB

As MaryAnn said: It was such a "key" part of the Reunion!

Kudos to the people who helped coordinate

 getting in and out of the Club House area and the Beach!

Finally took time to get a four-generation picture!

Views from the property:

Everyone packing up to leave:

Lots of great pictures from the Reunion but this one is a favorite.

It was a pillow in our bedroom that I saw often!

Family Reunion Day 3: Wednesday

On Wednesday morning Courtney taught a class on cookie decorating.

It was very popular and yummy!

Lena taught a Still Life sketching class.

It was also very popular and we learned a lot!

Before it got too hot quite a few went on a Field Trip

 to learn more about geology from Sam.

He took us to a spot in Logan Canyon where he could point out several features.

And when we weren't looking at rocks, we had this beautiful view!

There was more boating and beach time but no pictures yet from Wednesday.

The Theatre Room was popular!

In the afternoon we had a class by John on Personal Finance.

We learned about the importance of saving, investing and living within your means.

After that Sara and Amanda conducted a class on Mental Health.

We heard some personal experiences, and we all came away with a greater understanding of the challenges for many and the help and hope that can make a difference.

In the evening Grandpa shared some things from his Personal History along with some other stories, thoughts and testimony.

Among the stories and messages he gave were this one

 about his riding his bike to Scout Camp

Others included;

His Baptism in the Manti Temple

Prayers for Janis

Writing a letter with Elder Westover to Cindy Bailey on his mission

Being laid off one summer and how the worst day became the best day

Family values (p. 121)

Church callings Moroni 7:2 (p. 111)

Unique 24-hour temple experience

Children are among the choicest from his Patriarchal Blessing

After his remarks he passed out a copy of his Personal History to each of the grandchildren.  It was especially fun because he called them up in alphabetical order:  Amelia, Aubrey, Bethany, Camille, Courtney, Daniel, David, Eleanor, Elizabeth, Emma, Hannah, Jacob, Joshua, Julia, Kathryn, Katie, Lily, Matthew, Michael, Nathaniel, Penny, Peter, Sam, Sarah, and Sophie.

Thanks, Grandpa!!

Afterwards we went downstairs for a Glow Party!

Fortunately earlier we had time for a group picture!

Six grandchildren unable to attend the Reunion and baby Lilian was already asleep

but there are 35 of us in this photo!