It feels like we have been on the move since we got here. Consequently, we have a whole lotta nada going on today. Our family reunion trip was really great-- report to follow in this post. And we got home in enough time to unpack, do some laundry, celebrate Father's Day and do some cleaning up around the house before a little dinner party we had last night. My parents, being their usual social and super selves, helped me invite 35-40 people over for a little BBQ. It was beyond fun to see everyone and all the cute kiddos. (Holla, Darcy and Sheila!) But we are all pretty pooped today and missing Cori more than ever.
So the family reunion... My dad is an only child. Both of his parents were from large families. So he grew up with a lot of cousins. One branch of his father's side of the tree has kinda adopted him into their every-other-year reunions. Dad attributes this to the fact that he brings the boat, but I think they actually like him/us. Anyway, they are a really fun group and we always have a good time. The reunion this year was at Plumas Pines Resort at Lake Almanor, CA. Getting out there was the first part of the adventure.
First, I should give honorable mention to Grace for throwing up all over the breakfast table the day we departed. We had some UT family who stayed the night with us in NV so we could caravan together. They got a real show with their pancakes.
Second, I will give honorable mention to the bearing in the water pump of the truck we borrowed. The bearing went out, causing the water pump to seize which in turn (pun intended) threw the alternator belt out upon the roadside. Then power steering went out and it wasn't long before the engine started over heating. To make a long story short, it took three days, three sets of mechanics, two alternator belt replacements, one tow truck and several trips between Doyle, Susanville, Reno and Lake Almador before we had both trucks, the boat and the trailer all together at camp.
Having the trailer was a huge asset as we spent about 7 hours at a bar at Herlong Junction. It is a classy establishment which boasts a large nude portrait and several very nice people who did their best to help us. Because we had the trailer, mom and I were able to keep the kids happy and secluded from the local artwork whilst Dad traipsed across the high dessert in search of parts and people to install them. We picked poppies, watched movies, ate snacks out of the fridge and threw lots of rocks.
Once at the lake, we had a great time. Dad took the boat out several times a day. We played and visited with all our people. There was lots of tubing and wake boarding. One day they rented jet skis, and I don't have to tell you how much fun I had with those. The kids loved being outside all day long. We spent a lot of time in our swimsuits which also made them very happy. Here they are playing bocce with Papa Jeff.
One morning, we went out on the boat early to tour around the lake a little while the water was glassy. Dad let the kids take turns driving the boat. Grant is really smiling on the inside- the life vest was just a little too big I think.
The evenings were full of usual W* family merriment. We had a talent show that was more like a comedy hour. We also had a home movie night that was judged by our very own bonafied Hollywood man, Uncle Matt ( He wrote for
Saints and Soldiers and has been involved in producing/directing other films you would recognize. You can read about his current project
here). It was Matt and his kids who had front row seats to Gracie's stomach bug. Kai, his oldest (below, left) became an instant obsession for Grace. The first words from her mouth every morning were, "Where is my cousin Kai? Is he awake yet?"
Grammie Marla brought a fun card game called 'Blink' to play with Grace. Gracie really liked it.
All together, we made a group of 44. How wonderful to be related to such good people. It was a great time and I'm glad that the kids and I were able to go.
Mom and I spent a stormy afternoon going through piles and drawers of family history artifacts which had been collected by my Father's mother. I was astonished to find a copy of a letter my Grandfather wrote to me the year I turned 16. It is a letter I have often thought of and have not been able to find for years, and yet he had printed a copy which my Grandmother had kept.
Here is a picture of my father at two months old with his parents on a Thanksgiving holiday.
We came across a Book of Mormon that was printed in 1908. As well as a journal which was kept by an ancestor who served in the Mormon Battalion and pioneered all the way to San Bernardino.
For the first time, I was shown this picture of one of the two great aunt Jesse's for whom I am named.
I happened upon an packet filled with letters written by my dad to his parents during his mission.
And these are post WWII mileage ration cards .
I love these military commencement photos of my dad's father.
And then I saw these pictures of dad. The top two could easily be of my brother.
Mom handed me this Polaroid of yours truly. She insists that she sees Grant all over the place in my baby face. (I don't really see it...)
Then I found Grant in these nearly-50-year-old pictures. I was a bit startled. They are of my dad when he was a toddler. The whole afternoon came full circle for me. A glimpse into the past quickly became a look into the future. And I was doubly grateful for all the other traits that have continued to spread and grow through the branches of our family tree.
