Huntsman Reunion 2011

Every other year we have our family reunion and get to celebrate one of my most favorite people in the world.  My Grandpa.  We used to celebrate his birthday during Labor Day since his actual birthday is in Sept.  However, with a growing family, summer is a much easier time to get together.  Therefore, this July was jam packed with lots of family fun time.  Isn't he the cutest Grandpa ever!  Payton is definitely his daddy's boy but I think he also looks a lot like Grandpa H. Especially the smile. 

 Oh the kids had so much fun with all their 'new' cousins.  Every year they meet someone new.  They had such exhausting fun each day.  At the crack of dawn, they would head to some cousins camp and 'live' there most of the day.  Halle even told her Aunt Jodie that her mom doesn't feed her.  What! She always wanted what they were having and the thought of having to separate even for a moment was torture to her. ha ha :)

 We had a few craft tables and books and quiet time places for the kids.  I wish I could have a video camera to just follow them around the whole time.  They loved every moment.  It was so fun to see their imagination and all the little games they would play. 

 Halle was making delicious treats for the program that night.  A special present for the program she insisted.  Here she is presenting it to Grandpa.  He was laughing and thought it was cute.  I love Grandma's look.  She thinks Halle is crazy. She didn't understand why Halle wanted them to eat bark.  lol. 

 Payton was able to do lots of 'boy' things as he said.  Baseball, hiking, tag, diggin in the dirt and volleyball.  Every day they would say, "This is the best day ever! We got to play ALL day mom!!"

 We learned how to do all sorts of cool things, including making bags and wallets out of duct tape.  Yep, duct tape.  They had all sorts of colors and prints-they were very cool.  Wish I would have took a pic of the finished project. :(  The kids did bead work and other art projects, went on several hikes and joined in two plays and programs. 

                                    Such strong muscles.
She worked a long time on her 'treats'. She is so cute!

 Uncle Nick and the kids had done a rain dance.  (Man I really wish I'd had a video of that!!) Anyway, afterwards we had a huge down pour.  It lasted quite a while.  We had just got all the food sat out and everyone had to run for cover.  We kept thinking it would pass like the other storms but after 15 plus min of serious hard rain, we had to start moving quick.  Poor Grandpa and Grandma were sitting in chairs with umbrellas.  We were afraid Grandma would fall since water was rushing down the hills so C just picked her up and got them to the car.  Luckily we had purchased a better tent this year and lots of extra clothes.  The fire pit was full of mud and water and it was hard getting a fire started with wet wood.  Thanks to our Eagle Scout men for workin hard to get us warm again.  We finally had to throw gasoline to get it started and had our own little, "Wilson, look what I have done!" moment.
The rain didn't dampen our spirits though and we finished our delicious food and had a program where I have to say, I seriously have the most talented and funny family EVER! 

 It was wonderful to spend the week in the mountains again.  That's one thing we always miss out here.  But mostly it was so nice to just relax and spend time with family.  It's always sad to say goodbye, I love them all.  

 A 'few' of the grand-kids and Grandpa.  And a 'few' of the great-grand-kids with Grandpa and Grandma.
I may be off [if so someone will tell me I am certain :) ] but I counted 38 grand-kids, 108 great grand-kids, 2 great-great grand-kids, plus all spouses at 206 total.  11 have passed and we have 7 on the way.
Happy Real Birthday today Grandpa!! We love you and wish you a happy 102nd.  :)  We are so thankful that families can be forever.