Newson Reunion

Reunion Prep- This year Nedra and Rachel had a lot to do so I volunteered to make the cookies for the cookie jar.  It was fun trying out different types (although they did not all work); we made butterscotch raisin, chocolate peanut butter chip, smores, M&M and rainbow cookies (chocolate chip dyed in different colors- Elizabeth's idea).

 

 

Ben was helping the Newson's clear off the deck with the leaf blower and scared an entire family of skunks out from under their deck.  We all watched as a mother and 8-10 little ones scurried away and out of the yard but one youngster went back to their nest to wait.  Although Ben was told that baby skunks had no smell, while trying to get that little one out, he learned otherwise. 

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We had a wonderful reunion this year full of crazy kids, good food, great company and a cousin carnival.  We had people arriving at different times this year (between Saturday and Tuesday) and so we did a bunch of different things with everyone.  

Sunday: Jeremy's family arrived Sunday night and Jesse arrived right before dinner on Sunday; Just in time to celebrate Rachel's birthday! It was fun to all be together!

Playing Hide and Seek with Jared and Sam

 

 

 

 

 

Stories with Grandma

 

Monday: We did a big service project in the Newson's backyard and got the deck ready for some reunion fun!

Reading books with Grandma

 

Tuesday: Elizabeth and I went with Jesse and Becky's family to a park and then explored on a short forested path. The Markos arrived in the late afternoon.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday:  The brother's all went golfing in the morning and we caught up with them that afternoon for ice cream at Sweet Cow.  We then walked across the street and got to play at Tilt, a fun arcade.

 

 

 

 

 

 Thursday: We went to a park and played kickball, ate dinner at our house and then went across the street to the park to hear FACE for the Summer Concert.  It was fun watching everyone from every age to every athletic ability play kickball together and the fun they all had.  They also all had fun during the concert; playing tag, basketball in the park and spending time together. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking at the clouds.

 

 

 

 

 Just minutes after everyone left our house and the concert in the park it started hailing.  It was such a blessing that it wasn't during the concert, while we were all sitting outside.  The house sounded like it was going to fall apart under the force of the hail but it was cool to stand at the window and watch it.

Friday: In the morning I took Becky, Melinda, Aimee and Mer with me to my morning Water Zumba class.  They thought it was a little silly but fun. That afternoon we had a Cousin Carnival; each family prepared a booth and the kids were able to earn tickets.  That night we had the talent show and a good showcase of some very talented people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newson Family 2015 (Minus Hannah at college)

 

 Saturday: Jeremy's family left in the morning.  We all then went canoeing and paddle boating at Wanaeka Lake; it was really fun but very hot.  That afternoon all the adults went with Ron to see the new movie, Jurassic World.  I stayed home and watched movies with Nedra, Mer and the kids. 

 

 

Sunday: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! Ben's day started out a little rough; he was up for an hour in the middle of the night throwing up all of the popcorn he ate during the movie and then was not really feeling up to his Father's Day Breakfast.  We went to the Newson's house for a special dinner but ended up coming home early because Elizabeth got sick. 

Next week: Because Jeremy and Tobin had left, the reunion was 'technically' over but Sarah did not leave until Thursday morning and Jesse did not leave until Sunday morning- so we got to extend the fun for another week.  Elizabeth was sick Sunday night and Monday but we went back over to play with cousins the rest of the week.  It was so much fun to see Elizabeth play with everyone and to see the relationships she is making with them.  I love having reunions and having everyone come for a couple weeks to visit.  

(Mer was so good with Malcolm and Elizabeth- she made up songs with them on the ukelele) 

 *On Friday, Rachel and Nedra kept Elizabeth, so she could play with the cousins, while Ben and I went to the temple.  We always try to go to the temple the week of the anniversary of Aaron's death (5 years) and as always it was wonderful to go to the temple and to feel the peace and safety found there.   

**While leaving the temple we got news that Jasen got his mission call to serve in the Suva Fiji Mission.  We are so excited for him.