June/July 2009 was a true answer to my prayers in the very best way possible. It can't always work out that way so I am particularly grateful to all of our son-in-laws and beautiful daughters for making good things happen.The gathering began Friday, June 19th with Jacob flying into Salt Lake from Arizona. From there he rode the shuttle to Idaho Falls and we picked him up late that night. He was coming ahead of his family to attend the Scout leadership camp "Cedar Badge" at Treasure Mountain the following week. Jacob is just a couple of merit badges away from his Eagle project and we couldn't be prouder.
Saturday, June 20th brought Cameron and four of her children into town after a very long 12 hour drive from Seattle. Collins was not able to get away from work but went the extra mile to make it possible for the family to come without him. We certainly missed him. Tristan also stayed in Washington and had time with dad.
Father's day with two daughters and five grandchildren was pretty special for Claigh. He is loved! We had some interesting attempts at a father's day photo shoot after church. Do you think the long day in the car the day before and the three hours at church had anything to do with the wigglies? It made me laugh.
On Monday morning, Claigh headed to work and Jacob, Jonah and I made for the mountains. What a glorious drive. I love the Tetons! Even more importantly, I love these two boys. They are so different from each other and uniquely great kids. Due to some challenges with inadequate directions, we arrived a bit on the late side of things so Jacob and Jonah swung into action and were headed off to settle in very quickly after we arrived. On the drive home, my heart swelled with gratitude for the goodness and righteous desires of my grandsons. I felt deep appreciation for their worthy efforts in the priesthood and their valiant stands for truth. I prayed that they will continue in the strength of virtuous living.
It was good to have time with Cameron and the kids for the next few days. Gideon loves to visit and I really enjoy listening to his musings. Isaac has a busy nature and is on the move. (He could actually bump me off of the speediest in the family spot!) Felicity is a little lady with a winning and sweet spirit.
Thursday, June 25th our ranks expanded with the arrival of our Ohioans! I drove to Salt Lake to pick up Steve and Ashlee and the five Stalcup Babes from the airport. By the time they arrived in Idaho Falls they were ready to be out and running. It had been a very long day of travel but the kids did super. Greg stole our hearts immediately with his big beautiful eyes and gentle soul. These babies change dramatically in such a short time.
Friday, June 26th was the Bailey Fam's day on the road. They rolled into Idaho Falls that night and things really began to bustle around the house. Baby Lucy took the too cute meter up another notch.
Saturday morning, Claigh dressed in his scout best and he, Cameron and Todd headed for Treasure Mountain to attend the closing ceremonies for Jake and Jonah while the rest of us prepared for the arrival of the Anderson Family that night. Sara and Jared were coming in from Southern California where they had attended an Anderson family reunion. Their boys had really seen some car time! By Saturday night, the house was full to overflowing and my heart was even fuller!
We had a room for each family thanks to Alyssa's generous offer to give up her bedroom for the Stewarts. Alyssa was camped out nicely in the office, and the older grandkids covered the family room floor. It could get tough as these boys grow :o) but for now it works out nicely.
Saturday night ended with the smell of birthday baking filling the house. Everyone was very appreciative of Jared's mother for timing his delivery so well 32 years ago.
Our family just would not be as much fun without Jared that's for sure.
Birthday Sunday began with a special breakfast of apple-chicken sausage, cheesy scrambles, Great Harvest breakfast breads, and orange juice. The church schedule for the Crestwood Ward is in the afternoons this year. When you have 28 people in the house to get ready for church that is a very good thing. The trickle out of the house began at 12:15 as Claigh and Isaac began the one mile walk. Claigh wanted to give Isaac all the time he needed to stop and smell the roses so to speak. The rest of us followed one car load at a time. We actually all made it.
Both Alyssa and I teach one of the Adult Sunday School classes in our wards. It was our week to teach and so Alyssa had to be in her ward which meets earlier. This ended up being a very good thing.
I had prepared well in advance so I was able to relax and enjoy being with the family for the morning and in Sacrament Meeting. I did get to carry a "screaming for dear life" child from the chapel. That brought back memories. Once when we lived in Southern California I had to take a very young Cameron from the chapel for disruptive behavior. She yelled "Help! - Help!" as we left the room. What a riot! Back to 2009, after a short time with a very distraught and exhausted Felicity, Aunt Alyssa arrived on the scene and saved the day. Within minutes of being in her auntie's arms, Felicity was soundly asleep and I had my classroom ready for the students that were arriving.
Cousins enjoyed going to Primary with cousins however, Gideon, Maxwell, Bryn and Noah ended up in classes on their own. I marvel at the confidence of our grandchildren. Their mom's and dad's are doing a super job.
After church we all quickly made our way home for comfy clothes and the birthday bash. Everyone agrees that Uncle Jared has the best taste! We enjoyed brownie sundaes on birthday Sunday!!
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