We look forward to the annual Stephenson Reunion every year, but this year we seemed to look forward to it unlike any before. Perhaps it was due to the fact that we truly had to gear up for the overseas trip, but regardless, we could not wait to get to California!
Of course, after the 11 hour flight of enjoying the in-flight on-demand movies non-stop, the kids finally crashed in the car.
There were so many fun things planned for us during those few days of the reunion that before we knew it, the reunion was over and we realized we would have to wait an entire year to do this all over again. We sure do love spending time with our family!
Some of the highlights:
Grandma & Grandpa’s Yard –
Emma’s Dream Reading Spot
The Pool –
The Chickens –
Feeding the Chickens
Collecting Eggs
‘Easter’ Egg Hunt for the Kids –
Geocache ‘Hunt’ for the Adults –
Checking the GPS coordinates
Haley Finding our First Clue
One Clue took us to Baskin Robbins for Free Ice Cream!
Bowling –
Award Ceremony –
Cami – Miss Photogenic
Hannah – Community Service
Caleb – Gymnast
Emma – Goodreads Enthusiast
Becca – Field Tripper
Chris – Ambassador
We also had a great time one morning doing a family service project for a woman who had recently lost her husband. One afternoon we had a family talent show. I neglected to get any pictures of that, but our kids held up our weight for the show. Emma recited lyrics for a song she composed, Caleb played a couple pieces on the piano (as well as showing off some gymnastics moves), Hannah did a hip-hop dance (with Emma’s assistance), and Cami did the ‘chicken dance.’ Chris and I decided that our talents were supporting our kids in these interests and cheering enthusiastically!!
And, of course, a reunion would never be complete without a day (or two) of family group pictures:
Day 1 –
The ‘Original’ Family
The ‘In-laws’ (with me trying to steal the show)
Our Little Family
The Big Family
Cozy Cousins
Cami & John T.
Day 2 –
The Big Family (Plus Great-grandma & Chloe)
We love that our kids are building these fun family memories as they grow older. Even though they only see their cousins once a year, they can pick up where they left off and love to be together.
great pic becca, it was fun, looking forward to next year already
ohh I would love to have a family like that. Ours is weird! Love the t-shirts, thats a real American reunion thing hey!. You all look great (and so many blondies)!!!
I wish our families did that! I guess most of them live so close that the see each other all the time. Us easterners that never see them are all left out though. 🙂 I love the picture where the kids are asleep in the car. I laugh when my kids do that…they can sleep anywhere.
Thats how a family union should be….not sure if that would ever happen for brandon and i but really enjoy seeing others accomplish it!
I loved looking at the pictures. I don’t think I got any this year. I miss you so much already. I can’t believe that we have to wait a whole year before we see you again.