Family reunion at Leavenworth, WA

"Indeed, nothing is more critically connected to happiness-both our own and that of our children-than how well we love and support one another within the family"
Elder M. Russell Ballard

We are trying to have a family reunion with our children and grandchildren now every year. Our children grew up going to Larry's family reunions each summer and they had a great time and enjoyed playing with their cousins. Our children (now that they are grown up... lol)enjoy talking and doing things together.
So off to Leavenworth we go for visiting, eating, playing, sleeping and shopping.
Nathan is learning Karate and has several weapons that he is learning. He showed us his Numchuck moves. He actually didn't want us watching him but yet he wanted us to watch him. So we were up in the "balcony" and he was on the "stage". Great job!

Papa and Clara's eyes were fixed on Nathan as he did his moves. Do you think he could see them?

You can't go to Leavenworth without strolling downtown and enjoying the Bavarian atmosphere of the shops in the town at least once. This bear looked like he needed some company. So Clara, Nathan, Aria, Jessica and Gabe kept him company.

Jovie and April were lucky and had a fairy kiss them on the cheek. A faint purple glitter star.

Power and Beauty was on the sidewalk playing and singing for us. The grand kids got in on the act by putting coins in their case to thank them for the music that they were sharing. Jovie was entranced and just wanted to stand and listen to them as she held her coins.

Gabe sharing.

The last time Misty was in Leavenworth was in high school when she was a drum major for the marching band. She remembered a shop that she had to visit again. The hat shop. A silly store full of silly hats. Is this a cat, owl or Gabe?

Uncle Josh and Aunt Shannon introducing Jovie to a horse. She's not quite sure what to make of it.

I would love to have this kind of tree in my yard. A pretzel tree. Yum!

We lost Joshua and Larry for awhile. They got sidetracked in tasting meat and cheeses. This was their favorite store. I think every store had samples. The chocolate samples were my favorite.

I did get permission to publish this next picture. I mean how could I not. What a Papa will do for his granddaughters.

We walked by this sausage hut restaurant place a few times. The smell was incredable. Larry and Joshua drooled so they thought that while they were all by themselves they would stop and get a sausage dog. Lo and behold guess who spotted them and joined them? April and David didn't want to miss out.

We are all heading back to the condo's so we can get ready for dinner. What a line up.

Gabe and Papa can find fun anywhere.

Rachel, Sean and Mae got their just in time for dinner. We are glad they could come join us. I really love the painting they have on the wall to the right, don't you? :) Michael was missed but we wouldn't want him any other place than where he is right now.

Papa and I thought we would have a slumber party at our condo and invited all 7 of the grand kids over. All but the 2 youngest spent the night. We watched Madagascar 2 and had pop-cycles. We got a late start and all but one fell asleep before the movie was over. Who knows... maybe we planned it that way. I'll never tell.

The three little sweet girls. They are so CUTE! They are also so different in personality. I love how that is. I love it when our family does things like this and the grand kids and Larry and I can bond and become closer.

Mae was really getting into the music of the show. A girl after my own heart. Aria peaking around to see the movie and Jovie enjoying the pop-cycle. She did not want to let the stick go when she was done.

Sunday the weather was SUNNY! After church and lunch we went down to the park and I had made a family crossword puzzle. I'm glad to say everyone knows where I was born now. Then Papa called a family counsel to share with the family that the family is an extension of Heaven and Larry was committing to be more Christ like and compassionate to each of them and he invited each of the family to committ to that also to each other. To always be there for each other. He mentioned Sean's friend who suddenly died and that family is important and it's not worth complaining or back biting. FYI family. Dad is going to post his whole message so it's written down on our private family blog.

Well sad to say my camera battery died and so I have no more pictures. We walked to Blackberry Island and found a beach with a long piece of driftwood that we could all sit on and watch the kids play. It was sunny, warm and we were together. We have many blessings. We are grateful.