Allred Family Reunion

We spent Pioneer Day weekend right outside Zion's National Park in southern Utah (near Orderville, UT) at Clear Creek Ranch with Brandon's mom's side of the family.  Bonnie and Wallace Allred have a family reunion every two years with all their children, grandchildren and now lots and lots of great-grandchildren.  We all stayed in the same lodge with 50-60 people.  I was expecting total chaos, but was pleasantly surprised at how MUCH fun we all had!

We ate lots of good food, played games together (it was the first time in ages that we busted out "Settlers"), had a gigantic slip and slide, canoed, swam, hiked, talked & laughed.  Brandon's cousins are great and Rachel loves playing with her cousins and second cousins.  I love that we hardly worried about Rach - she was constantly playing with the other kids, and they didn't even ask for any toys or movies.  And one morning she slept in until almost 10am, which is SO unlike her - we kept checking on her to make sure she was still breathing.  Andrew had fun people-watching and being outside.  He just barely learned how to pull himself up in his crib/pack'n play, so that made his sleeping a little disjointed, and since our family was all in the same room, I think he took advantage of that too.  They were really good on the rides up and back, as usual - I consider myself lucky!

Papa Wally & Pookie shared stories of our pioneer heritage and also told of some of their own travels!  Papa had collected hats from each place they had been, and he let all the grandkids and spouses choose one.  Brandon was very pleased with his light blue "Maui" hat and Rachel wore my "Bermuda" hat for the hike.  It was very sweet that he gave all of his hats away.

I included some of my favorite pictures here and also made a collage of all the activities and details (click to enlarge).  I also have to give credit to Val for taking all these pictures - it was a nice break to sit back and enjoy the moment rather than be behind the camera.  Thanks, Val!

I didn't realize we were standing so far apart.  I promise we like each other :)

Great Grandkids

Bonnie and Wallace Allred

Hayride