One of the best parts of summers is reconnecting with family at reunions. Though the Luke reunion turned out to be a great success, planning the reunion felt a little like a season from Days of Our Lives... a bit of a drama fest! It was on, it was off, it was in Farmington, it was in Inkom, we were going to Lagoon, we weren't going to Lagoon, it was on, it was off... get the picture? However, we persevered and conquered--because we all know that nothing is more important than family relationships and rekindling those bonds.
Sadly, we missed day 1 of the reunion because Justin was working. We hear we missed out on a super fun day of boating. On Day 2, we met at the downtown Salt Lake City cemetery where all but three of the prophets are buried. Clark and Kari took the kids on a prophet scavenger hunt! When the kids found a headstone, they made a color rubbing of the prophet's name in their record book and got a treat. At each headstone, we listened to stories of faith and sang hymns. We were reminded of not only our family's heritage, but our church's heritage--and the sacrifices that were made to provide us with the joy of the Gospel in the latter days.
Carson, Jace, & Kate
Pretty sisters--Michelle, Shaylyn (niece), Suzy, & Kari
McKenna & Kate
Carson
Buddies Carter and Ashton hopping from headstone to headstone.
So cute!
Kyler, Chandler, & Carson at President McKay's grave.
McKenna, Grandma Luke, & Heather
The Luke Family at President Hinkley's headstone.
After our prophet scavenger hunt and a delicious lunch at Hires, we headed to a gymnasium for a few hours of pure fun. The kids ran, leaped, flipped, and bounced to their heart's content. By the time we left, the sweat was flowing freely--evidence that fun was had by all--both young and old!
Kyler and Heather in the foam pit!
(By the way, this pit was like quick sand! If I hadn't had help getting out, I would still be there right now!)
Kathy and Kimberly
Justin demonstrating his youthful gymnastic skills.
Poor Justin... he tried forever trying to pull himself up and over this bar.
So close... yet so far away!
Suzy bracing herself for the tire roll!
The entire Luke Family playing a parachute game.
SO FUN!
Ashton fell in love with fun cousin Tanner!
Pathetic sisters posing their sexiest look in front of the gymnasium fan.
Remember when I said I had a lot of those goof ball pictures a few post ago?
I wasn't kidding.
The day ended with a delicious dutch oven dinner at Eric's beautiful home.
The kids were introduced to a Luke cousin they had never bet before.
Genevieve--Eric's sweet, old dog!
A walk through Eric's yard was really a hiking adventure! The kids loved it!
While waiting for it to get dark for our final activity, the kids enjoyed basketball... INSIDE!
I just had to include this funny picture!
Stan loved standing at the entrance to Eric's indoor slide... because he felt so tall!
To close the reunion, Clark and Kari planned a surprise activity. In the darkness, families were grouped together and were told to simply "follow the light." Together we walked through the night--led only by small glow-in-the-dark bracelets hanging from the trees. Along the way, we were stopped and tempted to go an 'easier' or 'funner' way. Here is Carson being lured with candy by cousin Caden. The temptation was just too strong! We had to drag him away from the delicious huckleberry popcorn!
Kyler--bravely leading the way in the darkness.
On the right by the tree, you can see "The Light!"
The Iron Rod... almost there!!
After enduring our dark walk, we were greeted by Grandma & Grandpa Luke's open arms.
They were dressed all in white.
(Shortly after this picture, I got in a little trouble for wrecking the moment with my camera flash--but aren't you glad I did?)
Behind Grandpa and Grandma Luke, a large tree was glowing--covered with the glow-in-the-dark bracelets. We sat around the Tree of Life, sang, prayed, and listened to testimonies. We were counseled as a family to be strong, to remember our purpose, and hold strong to the Irod Rod--so that one day we would sit again together in the life to come. What a touching and memorable way to end our reunion.
I once heard that the definition of 'a blessing' is anything that brings you closer to God. I can say, without hesitation, that my family is a blessing. I'm so grateful to be part of such an amazing, faithful, and fun family.
1 comment:
I absolutely love the ending to your wonderful day! What an incredible family you have! We took the kids on a scavenger hunt at the cemetery last year...there was a cane sitting on President Hinckley's grave. Forget Lagoon...the cemetery was the highlight of our trip!!!
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