Family Reunions and Amanda's Graduation

We have been busy the last two weeks. We had two family reunions with Amanda's Graduation in between.

The first was the Duersch Reunion in honor of Kent's late Great-Grandparents. This reunion is for their kids and their posterity. Not everyone makes it, but there is still a huge turn-out. They reserve most of the campsites in a campground in Logan Canyon, just outside of Logan, Utah.

Our trip started with the drive, and of course we had to have snacks. Our girls LOVE Cheetos.

Look at that face, and those fingers!

We camped with Kent's parents. The snacking didn't stop in the car. That is one messy girl enjoying a s'more.






Kendra got some time with Grandma Joy and Grandpa Howard took Camryn fishing. Camryn absolutely LOVED IT!!! She caught her FIRST FISH!

If you look closely, you can tell it is an albino rainbow trout. She had so much fun showing everyone her catch. She even showed her Great-Grandpa William Denning and his wife, Della, how the fished moved in the water.



We also played water kickball. These small pools were the bases. Those guarding the base had soggy wet things to throw at the runners to try to slow them down. This one was completely for the kids, and I think they had a blast.




Mickell also got to come with us. She is blowing bubbles for Kendra. She actually stayed with us for over a week and really helped us out by watching Camryn and Kendra when we were at work. She is such a big help. She played with the girls a lot. She is really growing into a young lady.

There was a big meal at the reunion that everyone attended, followed by an auction. The proceeds go to fund the next year's reunion. There were some AMAZING quilts and all sorts of other things that family members brought for the auction. It was pretty fun!


We got a few days at home, then we headed out again, this time to Pocatello for Amanda's graduation. She received a Master's in Physician Assistant Studies. We are so proud of her and all her hard work!

Kent was not with us for the ceremony, because he was watching all the kiddos for us so everyone else could go. Way to take one for the team, honey.

What a beautiful couple! We sure love them!

After the graduation ceremony we had a small party at the park for Amanda. Then our little family was on the road again, heading to the Richardson reunion. Kendra got good at sleeping the the van.

This reunion is in honor of my grandparents, Grant and Kathleen Richardson, and their posterity. This year, it was at Clear Creek Ranch, near Zions National Park in Southern Utah. My grandpa reserved three of these lodges for our family to stay in. I ALWAYS LOVE the Richardson reunions, and this year was no different. I have an AMAZING family and I LOVE to see them. There was a lake, with canoes for us to use. Camryn LOVED the canoes, and went out in them every opportunity she had.

This time, I took out Camryn, Kendra, and Josie.

I also had the opportunity to watch some wonderful children for a little while one afternoon while some of the adults hiked up the Narrows. I had my two girls, along with Nicole's little Kaydence, and my cousin Rhett's kids-- Josie, Sophie, and Samuel.

The younger ones watched a wonderfully entertaining Barbie movie with me while Kent took Camryn and Josie out on the lake. After they got back, we all went outside and played on the playground equipment.

Laying in front of me on the couch is Kaydence and Samuel. They are the CUTEST! With their parents gone, they both clung on to me. Samuel kept saying "I hold you," meaning he wanted held. I loved it. As soon as his parents came back I didn't matter, but I sure enjoyed it while it lasted.

Before their parents got back, we took the kids up for dinner. Aren't they cuties! That's Kendra with the carrot, then Sophie, Kaydence, and Samuel with Josie across the table.

Our last night there, we had a program where we shared stories from my Grandpa's life. He turned 90 this year. He is such an amazing man. I feel so blessed to have been sent to his family. We all look up to him and the wonderful example he has set for us.

My grandpa LOVES watermelon. He used to have a watermelon patch in his backyard. He and my two uncles used to have contests to see who could eat the most watermelon. In honor of this, we had a watermelon eating contest. Whoever finished their piece first won.

Nicole and I sat next to each other. Next to me is my uncle Jesse, one of the historic watermelon eaters.

This picture is at the start and we look pretty clean, but as we got into it watermelon juice was everywhere! I did not come prepared for this. My hair was down and kept falling in my watermelon. I would get a mouth-full of hair with my watermelon, it was great.
My brother Jonathan is in the green, next to my cousins Spencer and Jeff.

Here is the STAR, My gradfather, Grant Richardson.

They did pretty good!

Nicole and I did pretty good too! We are covered in watermelon.

We really had a great time. I wish I would have taken more pictures of my family. We did get some group pictures, and when I get those I will post them.

To my family--

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

P.S. Danielle--I stole a few of your pictures because I didn't take enough. I hope that's okay =)

P.P.S. Kent just brought in to my attention that he is not in any of the pictures. Sorry for not getting any pictures of you picking on those younger and smaller than you and throwing them in the lake, in their pajamas. You and Dane, both. Like I said, I just didn't get out my camera enough.