Arave Family Reunion: July 4th

(Nearly all of these pictures were taken from Camille. I am so glad she documented the day so well!)

We all gathered together and my Grandparents for a family picture. We are missing quite a few, but a great picture! I think it amazing to see all that came from two people! Which was kind of the whole point of this family reunion. 

Alving and Ida with their daughter: Joan, Ilene, Valine, and Christine. (Marie couldn't make it) 

Next up, my Aunt Christine and cousin Michelle put together these amazing booklets. They outlined our day and gave us little tidbits of information. It also has a family tree for both Grandparents. I can't believe some of the old pictures they have of family members. Each of the kids also grabbed a bundle of colored pencils to color and fill in their booklets as they desired. We all were allowed to pick out a flower to put on a grave site of our choosing.

We all labeled our cars (thanks Camille) and took off in a long line of cars.

After the visit to the Moreland cemetery we made several stops along the road. One of them was the house my Grandma lived it. Behind this house is a tiny cinder block building. It has one window and a door. This is where my Grandparents lived for a year after they were married. .

courtesy of Lauren

One mile down the road is the house my Grandpa built. He built a basement house and it has since been added onto

courtesy of Lauren

Next up, lunch! This is also when Camille and Gregg caught up with us. They took the scenic route and decided to head north instead of south. Finally they figured it out and made it in time for lunch. We went to a picnic/camp area where the Christiansen family would hold their family reunions. The kids played in trees that we played in as kids. The old wood play set is gone, but the rest looks the same.

 I burnt my head the day before (filling water balloons) so I was trying to keep the sun off of my part. It made for some stellar bangs that everyone was jealous of! ...

Next up was the Basalt cemetery. My Mom's ancestors are there, as well as my Dad's Mom, Grandma Trent, and his sister. We paid our respects and had Alaura in a picture with her namesake. My Grandma Trent was an amazing lady. Always selfless and willing to give to anyone. I miss her, but I mostly miss her for the sake of my Grandpa. It hurts to see how he misses her and is not complete without her.

 Next up we went to the home that Nelson Arave built in 1900. It was amazing to see! Sadly, there is a recent past to the home. The owners wish to tear it down, but that can't because it is a historic landmark. Too bad I can't buy it and restore it to it's original glory! How amazing would that be!!!
Nelson Arave came across with the Mormon Pioneers with his foster family. He became a builder of bridges and buildings. His workmanship was beautiful to see!

(picture courtesy of Lauren) Lindsey, Tiffany, Nate

Next up, the Taylor cemetery. We spent the most time here finishing books, asking questions, and discussing my Grandpa's upbringing. Grandpa was influenced by a family that worked for them. He saw how the marriage and the family were centered around God. He wanted that for himself. When he began looking for a wife he looked at the parents and found his wife, who is now my Grandma. I am so grateful for the choices that he made and the influence he has brought to me in my life. I think my Grandparents are the best! I love my Grandma's wit and humor and admire my Grandpa's intelligence and desire to explore and learn. I have many memories of them both, since I was able to visit them often as a child.

At 4:00 we decided we were all hot, tired, and getting hungry. We went out separate ways to prepare and cool off. Soon enough it was 5:30 and we were back at my Grandparents ready for a party!

After dinner we played Guess Who and chatted briefly about the next reunion.

courtesy of Lauren

We stayed briefly for a few fireworks, but we knew it would be important for our boys to be rested up for tomorrow.

Arave Family Reunion Kick Off

Many of my amazing family members joined together a created the perfect family history reunion. We started the events off with a social pot luck dinner. It was so great to sit and catch up with many of our family members. The absence of those that couldn't make it was felt. I hope that next time we can have even more people come!!

Abe and Sawyer were only present for the eating part. Due to Sawyer have a few too many moments, Abe took him inside to play in the cool basement. Bodie and Sawyer played well while Abe and Gregg chatted.

 Tagg, Lauren

  Grandpa Arave, Camille, Grandma Arave, Tagg, Lauren, Alaura, April

 Nelson, Paul, Valine, Addie

 Jean, Dallin, Liam, Crew

Quinn. I think she is holding Tagg, but I don't know the little babies well enough to know 100%.

Duck, Duck, Goose, followed by Red Light, Green Light.

Crew loved both games! During Duck, Duck, Goose, he waited and waited for his turn. You could tell he was getting a little discouraged that he wasn't getting picked, but he hung in there and loved when his turn came!

 Crew is always trying to get me to play Red Light, Green Light. So you can imagine how thrilled he was to play with so many other people! Then he had the chance to be it and he immediately flipped his hat side ways as if his job counted on it, and went on to direct a quick game!

Baby Pete

We also had an intense game of water volleyball. April and I spent 3 hours filling nearly 300 balloons. It was a lot of work and kept everyone entertained for about 45 minutes. The following pictures I pulled off of my cousins blog. Thanks Camille!

 Crew and Truman teamed up. They did very well for 4 and 5 year olds. Although, Crew had a few moments when things didn't go as planned.

 Jake and I may have gotten slightly  way out of control and tossed the balloons as high as super humanly possible. It was fun! I think Molly and Tyler were on the receiving end most of the time.

I love this picture that Camille captured! My Grandpa was enjoying himself when he was hammered by a stray balloon that Jake and I just couldn't get to fast enough. He was laughing and seemed to enjoy a little splash to cool him off.

I loved today. It was so great to see so many and to catch up with some I haven't seen in years. It was also fabulous to see Crew shine as he interacted with many other children.

Idaho: Day 2

Another day of playing and a day of prepping for the Arave Family Reunion kick off!!

 

Idaho: Bike Wash

Last night we drove to Twin Falls and stayed in a hotel. The boys thought it was the greatest thing ever! Today we finished our drive and made it to my parents home. The boys were ready to play!

While the little girls were down for naps, the little boys went out to play in the water. They loved Grandpa's bike wash. It was a lot of fun to watch them zoom through the droplets of water. There may have been a few crashes, but everyone had fun! Everyone also shared very well; four boys to three bikes.

Crew is always so thoughtful; whenever he sees a flower he will pick it and bring it to me. I love his little gifts.