Rexburg Family Reunion

Welcome to Rexburg, Idaho!

 First thing we had to do was meet up with everyone at Karyl's house in Rexburg for a bbq dinner. With much trepidation, we went to a grocery store to pick up some carrots and a watermelon for our potluck. On the way out of the store, Robert noticed that the car that was parked in the handicapped spot had a low back tire. He mentioned it to the guy who was in the driver's seat (who turned out to be a very-very old grandpa) and offered to help him by changing the tire instead of waiting for the car shop to do it for him. The guy agreed and that's what Robert and Alex did. It was a very good experience for all of us and especially for the kids to witness. It also made us slow down a bit and notice someone else's needs. We were just a little late to the bbq (which was open door style anyway) but it made a huge difference to this guy who couldn't thank us enough (and kept saying how he can't believe Robert is not just a student in college) and later wrote us a thank you card. 

It was great to see everyone at Karyl's house! Most of Robert's brothers and two of his sisters were able to attend, so it was great:)

The following morning we all went on a mini hike to Mesa Falls. 

It was a gorgeous view! We are not used to this mountainous scenery so it was truly impressive!

Katya dreaming of rainbows and unicorns.

We had a bazillion cousins running around and we didn't lose anyone. 

My favorite Watson. I know, I look like tired, but whatever.

Isn't this gorgeous?

Not all of the cousins but a good chunk of them. 

I don't remember how our afternoon played out but I know at some point we drove to St. Anthony's Sandbar for some jumping action. It was just our little family this time. 

The last jump into the river as a twelve year old for Alex!

Oh yeah, in the evening, we drove to the sand dunes for some more play/jump time with the cousins. We had a jumping competition in many categories--cousins, older siblings, moms and daughters, couples, fathers and sons. It was fun! 

Oh look! It's Everett and Katya! Everett is one of our older cousins who just started BYU-Idaho the week after our reunion! We are all very excited for his new chapter of his life!

These two do get along so well:) They have a lot in common! 

We also had a quick bonfire and a beautiful sunset.

The following day, July 27th, was Alex's birthday! We started the day at the "Defying Gravity" type thing with trampolines and tons of fun games to play. The kids were not the only ones who enjoyed this place! Although some adults took it a little too far for their age and were very sore the following day-haha.

Later in the afternoon, a true celebration began! Well, it wasn't a celebration of Alex's birthday, but rather a final dinner with our family, and Alex's birthday tied in with it. 

Katya, Alex and Everett were selfie-happy. 

They also were cool enough to go to a very late showing of the new Mission Impossible that evening! 

Kids played for  a while at the park near our meeting place. This is Colter, Mercedes, Abby and Mark.

Right before we got to Alex's birthday ice cream and cake, we needed to take a family group picture! 

Good luck to us! 

But look! It actually worked! Grandma Lorraine, Grandpa Chuck and Grandma Linda and the majority of their grandkids! 

And here is the whole gang! It was great! Just missing David and Adriana with their kids. 

And here is Alex's favorite part of the whole reunion--his birthday song sung by the whole family! He'd never had that before, so it was very special.

Lastly, here are just some of the pictures, for memory sake. You know, I love pictures and think they are very important! 

Here is Brian, Robert, Ben, Dad, John and James. 

And here are my sisters-in-law!

Karyl and I.

Jenny and I.

Michelle and I.

Meghan and I.

Lindsey and I (with John as a photobomb).

So happy we are trying to establish a regular family reunion every two years! I hear the next one will be somewhere outside of the continental US, probably even Alaska, so we shall see!!

Lyana.