Family Reunion

We really enjoyed the reunion at Alpine. Missed Carl's and Emily's families (and our two missionaries of course). It was unusual having it so late in the year, but the blackberries were at their prime and Jonathan made a bunch of pies. They picked them from the canoe on the pond.

We had a great FHE the first night with reports from our two returned missionaries and reports from the parents of the two current missionaries. Esther and Jason answered questions and I think we got a feel for what missionaries do. Jason learned the power of the Priesthood in giving  blessings and he also felt his prayers were answered. Esther was able to use her leadership and training skills.  We are grateful they had this opportunity and filled honorable missions.

The talent show was super, lots of singing and stories The highlight was Esther and Curtis doing some country western swing dance moves. Grandpa told about the battle of Fort McHenry and we re-enacted it by throwing ping pong balls at the Patriots up on the stage (and singing The Star Spangled Banner and God Save the King).

We also enjoyed the good food, the pond, the confidence courses, and the archery range. I would say a good times was had by all. We especially enjoyed having Gail's cheerful optimism.

The week of Aug. 15th is still open next summer and if it remains so until Jan. 1st, we'll reserve it!

Shucking corn for supper. Rachel, Aunt Gail, and the Goodwin kids

Jonathan, Jessica and Quin in the new kevlar canoe

The best French toast you ever tasted

Sydney at the confidence course

Mike on the zipline

Sam studying the scriptures

Trevor and Ken with Ken's hovercraft

Sam running around the pond

The Brewsters at Alsea Falls

Trevor smiling!

Esther and Curtis country dancing

Neil and Esther singing

Carl and Velvet's Visit

What an exciting week! Carl and Velvet and their girls came Sunday night for a three-day visit. It was SO good to see them again. Carl and Velvet are affectionate with each other and the girls are their bright, lively selves. We really enjoyed their visit.

Day 1: We spent the morning walking clear around Avery Park, stopping at all the interesting play equipment and the rose garden, which is still beautiful.

After lunch we went over to Albany, first to the carousel place where they are making the animals, then to King Kone for ice cream, and finally to Target for the girls to get some new school clothes. That evening Velvet took the girls to her cousin's while we had a nice visit with Carl.

Day 2: Velvet works hard, but she also plays hard! In the morning she met her cousin and her kids at Enchanted Forest. In the afternoon she met another cousin and her kids at Otter Beach! Carl and I watched "Northanger Abbey." What a good sport he is. Then Jessica and Quin came over to visit. Ken's family came for supper. The girls pounded their Zodiac constellations into the bottom of #10 cans. Ann Marie noticed they come out reversed when you shine a flashlight in them.

Day 3: Ann Marie came over to spend the day with her cousins. We went to the Thompson's Mill in Shedd and had an interesting guided tour.

In between all the activities we watched videos and played games and talked. It was a let down after they left and the house became so quiet!