Family Reunion - Wilderness Style

Ok, it wasn't really wilderness and its not like its a real reunion because to me a reunion is with people you don't see very often. We see the Grant family often (although more times would be better). I think it was more of a vacation. All the Charles Grant Family traveled to Christmas Meadows, Utah the last week of July. Do you know where Christmas Meadows is? We didn't either but we do now and I think it is a wonderful place. It is about 30 miles south of Evanston, Wyoming , in the Uinta mountains.

 

 

Our family decided to take a leisurely drive. After a few stops, expected (dropping the dog off and buying goofy glasses at the party store) and unexpected (lack of air at every gas station needed to fill our low tire and then the valve breaking so the tire became completely flat but finding a place to get it filled) we were on our way. We drove along Palisades Reservoir (which is full - don't remember seeing it full EVER) then into beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming. Then we went back into Idaho and around the shores of Bear Lake (very full too and a lovely place to vacation, in case you were wondering). Into Utah where I'm pretty sure only 6 families live then back into Wyoming and to Evanston (the only "largish" Wyoming city we haven't been to) and then finally back into Utah finally reaching our destination about 5 1/2 hours later. It was beautiful and we had a wonderful time in the car together.

Bear River Lodge

Playing The Ball game

 One of our favorite activities is "The Ball Game". Years ago, Grandma discovered this game and it has since been handed down to Aunt Tracie to make the ball. It consists of 2 large pair of long socks, one die, a ball made of money, toys, candy, and a lot of streamer paper, and finally a whole lot of yelling and laughing. It has become quite a tradition.

Tanner attempting to walk on water.

Grandma enjoyed the pool too. Check out those awesome shades.

A whole lot of swimming was going on. We played games like "Marco Polo", "Tag", and "Try to Run Fast Enough To Walk on Water". All were equally fun. But the game of "Splash Most of the Water Out of the Pool" seems to be most popular.

Sweat and Mud. Proof that the bikes were well used.

Grandma and Me down at the ponds.

Other activities included mountain biking along the ATV trails and fishing at the ponds. I learned how to fly fish! I was so excited. It is something I've always wanted to know. I like the idea of not having to touch worms. However, my form is terrible. Occasionally I had a good cast. More practice would probably help. I can see myself standing in the Madison River in Yellowstone Park in my waders casting my line at 10 and 2. That would be awesome. (Whoa, that was way off the topic. Sorry.)

Posing before the ride and the mud flew.

Rinsing off mud or Making more mud?

 One day, Grandpa and Grandma rented several ATVs and the kids didn't waste a single minute of time. They explored miles and miles of trails. When they arrived, after the final ride, the only clean parts of their bodies were under their helmets. They were mud from head to toe. Apparently, the mud puddles were the most popular places. I missed this event because I was hiking to Amethyst Lake (previous post).

We enjoyed the talent show. Kendrick sang, representing Trisha's family - a real talent. Tracie had already shown great talent in constructing "The Ball". Kendall's family rehearsed a poem - "If" by Rudyard Kipling. And, the Trent Grants performed a couple of songs on the bells. I can't believe that we weren't asked to do an encore. How rude!

All the grandkids. Who knows when they will all be together again!

This really is one happy bunch of people.

We had a wonderful time with everyone. And, as always, we were sorry to see it come to an end. But we couldn't leave before we took a few pictures of the whole family. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the great memories. Sure love being with you!

Setting out on the road.

Trent left before the rest of us. He decided to bike from the lodge to Evanston, about 30 miles. We picked him up there. We got him a new shirt to change into and baby wipes to shower with. Wasn't that sweet? It was good preparation for his big bike ride coming up. (Post about that in September)


Life is Good - and time spent with family is prime!