Reunion Videos

Candy rockets

Water dodgeball

Violet ditch-boarding

She made it to the top!

Twirling fun

Ellis Family Reunion 2014

It was a quick trip to Blackfoot this year, we were only able to stay for one night of the reunion. But we were able to pack a ton of fun into that day and a half, and managed to catch almost all of the traditions plus new fun activities, so we felt really lucky. Duck races, chicken in the barrel, playing in the backyard, family meeting, candy rockets, tug of war, chalk art contest, outdoor movies, four wheelers.... we all had so much fun. What a great weekend to celebrate our family and grow closer while creating lasting memories! 

There was a Hawaiian theme this year, so the kids got to make candy leis. 

and eat them!

Even Evelyn joined in the tug-of-war fun--

 --and took on Wilson one on one!

 Luke helping out the boy team.

 The girls!

 There was some dunking and splashing in the trampoline pit pool too. 

Plus a lot of fun playing in the best backyard!

 

 

Violet climbed the rope and rang the bell!

The kids begged four-wheeler rides off of anyone they could!

 

Luke and Evelyn rode the train.

And Evelyn finally gave into a nap-- she must have been really tired, because that is a bumpy train ride!

Luke was pretty tired too, he joined Evelyn on the blanket later and they both slept for quite a while. 

 

  The chalk art contest was fun-- and although I didn't get a photo, the wood-cut medals my cousin Sarah made for everyone were really cool. 

Kevin got to help with the duck race this year, and even worked on his pitchfork skills.

 Here they come!

 

It was our turn to provide the prizes. It's always hard to guess what everyone will like most. The streamers were a big hit, and next year I know to bring more chocolate!  

 

  

 

It was Violet's first year ditch-boarding! She did great!

  

 Cora went once too, and then rode on the four-wheeler and was a great helper afterward. 

 The kids were THRILLED that candy rockets got moved from Saturday morning to Friday evening so they could run and grab for candy too! Luke, Violet, and Evelyn were in the 7 and under group, Cora was with the middle-aged kids, and even Kevin and I grabbed a few candies in the grown-up division. 

Looking over their winnings!

 New this year was water dodgeball. So fun! I hope it becomes a yearly tradition, even though I'm a terrible thrower and got out often! Evelyn was grabbing sponges too, trying to get Kevin out. 

 Cora and Violet loved the game, Luke and Evelyn spent most of their time waking up from their naps and petting Douba. He is such a patient dog! They loved him!

Such a beautiful place! Kissie snapped this picture Friday morning. 

 Uncle Ron, preparing the famous chicken in a barrel. 

Friday night we had the family meeting, and all the grandkids and great-grandkids came up for a hug from Grandma (and a dollar-- her annual tradition).

  

  

  

  I love this picture! 

 I'm so glad we were able to go to the reunion, even if we missed a few days. I really believe family traditions bind families together, and we can love and support one another so much more when we get to know each other better. I'm grateful for all the hard work that makes a huge event like this happen! Families really are important-- individual but extended families too! I hope I can teach that to my kids.

Cora's Baptism

Cora and I spent some time at the Oquirrh Mountain temple a week before her baptism taking pictures. She looks so beautiful in her white dress and her giant smile, so excited for her upcoming baptism.   

 

  

 

 

 

 

Finally the big morning had arrived! Kevin, Cora, and I went to the church early to get her jumpsuit and attend a prep meeting. The other kids came with Grandma and Grandpa later. 

 

 

The talks were neat, and the program went quickly. Cora was the first of 6 in our stake to be baptized. It was a beautiful ordinance, and so neat to see her so confident in making her choice to be baptized. Kevin baptized her and Grandpa and Pata were the witnesses. I felt the Spirit strongly and it was so touching and sweet. Kevin confirmed Cora, with Grandpa, Pata, Shad, and Chris Vine (Kevin's cousin's husband) in the confirmation circle. We were lucky to have them all their for Cora's special day! 

  

  Cora with cousins! They had a lot of fun playing and eating donuts and fruit at our house afterward. 

 

  

  

Congratulations Cora!