Family Trip to Utah and Idaho Summer 2012

In June we were able to head West to visit with family and friends. We were fortunate to cross paths with our good friend's the Gessels. The were headed back to Iowa but we caught them just before they left. It was so fun to see them and their kids. We knew before they had Ryan to now having 4.

 Matthew, Jackson, Kelsey, Ben, Ryan, Jocelyn, Bryce and Johnny. There was a seven year old, (2) six year olds, (2) four year olds, a two year old and (2) one year olds. Quite the crew.

 Some of the best friends you could find. 

 We took our kids to Temple Square and to check out the new City Creek shopping area. We had planned on letting our kids run through the fountains but learned you couldn't have swimsuits on to do it. We were a little annoyed and I think because of it I forgot to take any pictures of it. Maybe next time.

 My family had planned to get a family photo done at Wheeler farm. Here are some of the cousins waiting for the others to show up.

 We headed to my parent's cabin in Island park for the first of two reunions. 

Up first was the Black Family. We started off things with roasting of marshmallows.

 The next day we did some four-wheeling and launching of rockets. It was a lot of fun and some went really high.

 A lot of 4-wheeling rides and hikes were taken. Here is a view from a ride that John-David and Jackson took. Beautiful view.

 What's a family reunion without a talent night. Kelsey was so impressed by her cousins playing the piano that she decided to play as well.

 More riding. 

 We took a trip into Yellowstone. We saw some of the favorites like Old Faithful and some of the geysers. We managed to get a glimpse of a Grizzly on our way out of the park.

 Artist Point

 Cousin Craft

 Bryce sharing with cousin Zach

 The Black family reunion wrapped up and the Meier one got underway. We made a stop by Big Springs after church but the big fish were low in numbers.

 The brother-in-laws had fun at the fire pit seeing how high they can get the flames. They also enjoyed melting glass bottles. I think this is what is taught at Scout Camp.

 We floated down Henry's Fork of the Snake River. We did this all the time as kids and decided to relive the magic with our own. We had three rafts: The Sister Wives raft, Big daddy's Boat and the boat with most of the kids and two uncles. It was a pretty uneventful float except for the moose we saw along the edge of the water.

 My dad is really into archery. One of the activities was to show everyone how to shoot a bow.

 We also tried fishing. Next I think we'll have to choose a day that's not so windy. 

Fishing with 15 kids with the wind blowing equals a lot of tangled lines. 

 Bryce could have sat on the 4-wheeler all day long. 

 More talent shows!

 4th of July flag ceremony

 More 4-wheeling and hiking

 We went to a Rodeo on the 4th which was our kids first. 

 Grandma and Grandpa Kendell came and joined us too. 

Dance Recital, Races, Scouts and last days of school

This year was the 1st year that our girls got to participate in the end of the year recital. All of productions the studio puts on are on Sunday but this year they for some reason they had Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances this year so they were able to participate in the Friday/Saturday performances. 

Kelsey performed a dance called "Blueberry Pie". 

It was as cute as it sounds. 

 Jocelyn did a tap routine called "Cho cho chaboggie".

 She did a great job and loved being on the stage.

A friend tipped me off about these kid's Road Runner Races a running club does each summer. 

We decided to try it out and the kids really liked it.  

Jackson's age group had to run a half mile. 

Jocelyn's age group had to run 1/4 mile. 

Kelsey's group had to run 1/8 mile.

Jocey and Kelsey finished in the middle of the pack. 

It was easy to keep track of Jocey as she was running

 because of her blonde hair.

Jackson's age group was actually timed. 

He finished right around 3 minutes and 40 secs each time.

 Jackson and Jocelyn both had field days but unfortunately 

I forgot my camera on Jocey's field day. This is Jackson's 1st grade class. 

 Jackson completed his Tiger cub badge and was crossing over to the next level which I think is bear. They actually had him cross a bridge and have his family meet him on the other side. 

 We had to get a picture of Jackson's teacher Mrs. Ruhf on her last day of teaching ever. 

She retired this year and she will be missed. She absolutely adored

 Jackson and loved Bryce just as much.