My fabulously creative Aunt Kim came up with cute crafts for the reunion including keychains/necklaces that the kids got to make and this wonderful quilt for Grandma. Everyone picked out a fabric that described them and she pieced it all together with everyone's names to make this. With the rest of the fabric everyone got a pillowcase (pillow included), with our names embroidered on them. They all turned out so cute!
The group of us playing bingo. We had the cutest bingo cards with everyones pictures for the spaces. When you got bingo you got to pick a present. Stealing of course (white elephant) style for the adults and the little ones with gift picked out just for them. Some of the hot items were a $50 visa card, a Cabella's gift card, nice towels, and more gift cards. Scott ended up with a 6-pack of fancy flashlights that glow and everything. I got a queen size blanket that is so soft and warm, Alden got Spiderman monster cars, Dallin got a Lego airplane set, Brig got a big box of matchbox cars, and Lila got a cute shape-sorter shaped like an elephant.
After bingo we had the nativity story and some songs and games. The kids had fun shaking their bells and marachas to the music and dancing around.
They also had fun shaking the pom-poms off the parachute. Jennifer put this activity together and it was a lot of fun.
Dallin and Kariah hanging out with gpa and gma.
Brig was so brave to speak in front of everyone in the microphone. He was scared to death to do it but did a great job. The kids got $2 bills from great grandma for sharing their thoughts. She also let them earn a $2 bill for memorizing a scripture.
Dallin and Lila goofing around.
Brig making music.
We were privileged to have a visit from Santa too. Uncle Duane made a great Santa Claus the kids loved him all except Lila, Holly, and Andalie.
Brig with Santa.
Dallin with Santa.
Lila having a screaming fit with Santa. The funny story about her is that the next day we were eating lunch at Texas Roadhouse and the boys spotted a guy that looked just like Santa he had a long white beard and white hair with glasses and a maroon jacket on. As soon as they pointed him out she started freaking out yelling "no mommy" it was so sad, but funny.
Santa gave all the kids their pillows/cases and they had a blast having a huge pillow fight with everyone. I think Uncle Scott St. Clair was the favorite target among the kids.
After we got some energy out it was time to settle down on our pillows for some family videos and a Christmas story. Aunt Laurie picked out and read "The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree" and each family recieved a copy.
Lila eating a candy cane and laying on her new pillow.
Everyone listening to the story.
Finally Lila crashed for a quick 30 min. nap.
My dad closed the reunion with some very touching words. followed by a sweet blessing for his brother Brent who has been sick and not feeling very well lately. There was such a strong spirit in the room I didn't want it to end. It was the perfect way to close the reunion. I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful family where there are so many magnificent examples and awesome people to learn and grow from. The theme was "No Empty Chairs" and I can't imagine not spending eternity with my family, all 63 plus!!!!
That evening we got together with the Walkers across the street in a parking lot to have a mini snowball fight with the little bit of snow that was left on the ground. The kids had a blast and then we went to eat dinner. Sunday morning we headed down to Pine Valley to stay at the cabin for a couple days. It poured rain all day Sunday through Tuesday (including the ride home to mesa) but no snow so we were kind of couped up in the cabin. It was nice to relax though and have nothing to do.
The St. Clair family put on a wonderful reunion. There are not words to express the gratitude we feel towards them for all of the time, money, and effort they put into getting us all together. Everything was so perfect and fun and we will have these wonderful memories forever. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Darla and Scott!!!
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