This past week we enjoyed a wonderful Dunford family reunion down in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Organized by my sister, Heather, and my brother, Bryan (thanks again to both of you!!), all of my siblings were there with their families.
We all stayed in a large cabin that had 11+ bedrooms, each with its
own bathroom, a large kitchen, movie and game room, hot tubs, etc. It was a really large facility but pretty darn perfect for
our size group (38 people). The weather was unseasonably nice and no
one got sick while we were there--miraculous! Definitely a good time.
Here cousin Clay is reading to Robbie. Robbie loves all the big boys, saying to them, "Hi boy!" or "Hi cousin!" Clay and Duncan were especially sweet to Robbie.
We went go-karting; Clara was excited to go and Bapa took her since I don't enjoy that kind of thing. She informed me that she was screaming most of the time, which Bapa confirmed :-).
Coming around the track.
Michael took Robbie as well . . . not sure how he felt about it though.
The second time around, Clara wasn't interested in going again, and so I went with my niece Ali. I just kind of hugged the right rail and tried not to get rear-ended. Not interested in being a speed demon, I still enjoyed being with Ali and was glad I could go with her.
Michael and Clara in the background; Wendi and Ali in the foreground.
I took cousin Pete on these water cars, and he enjoyed pressing both
the water gun and the turning button at the same time, causing us to go round and round in a circle. It was fun and refreshing on a hot day.
Robbie and cousin Will loved hanging out in the toy car.
I was proud of Clara taking a ride on these little swings . . . she yelled a lot but I think she enjoyed herself.
Taking a trip on the train. Clara says, "I liked ringing the bell."
Robbie was super excited about riding in these airplanes.
In this shot it looks like he's a little nervous, but he really seemed to love it the whole time.
Nana went on the carousel with Clara. My kids sure love their grandparents.
Clara and Ali were bunk buddies in the cousin room and hung out quite a bit. I think they both enjoyed each other's company.
My brothers and two nephews playing "Space Team," some bizarre cell phone game that is very funny to listen to being played.
My sister Heather prepared some Minute to Win It games for an evening. It was hilarious; this game was particularly fun. You had to wear a pair of panty hose on your head with a tennis ball in each foot, swinging it around to knock over the water bottles.
Hanging out with Catherine.
It was a lot harder than it looked! Matt and Heather (my oldest two siblings) competed, and they both finished at the same time.
Cousin Catherine was so kind to Clara, always saying hi to her and paying attention to her, even though Clara rebuffed her attempts at first. Catherine was persistent and Clara soon chose her above everyone else. I am so thankful for these types of people who have a special heart for others.
We also enjoyed some putt-putting in the rain, visiting Gatlinburg and enjoying ice cream at Kilwin's, and tubing down the river. The best times were the times we got to talk and play together. I am so thankful for my family and for Michael's acceptance of them and them of him; I am grateful for our temple covenants that bind us together. I am particularly thankful for my parents and for their sacrifice on all of our behalf. A beautiful and strong posterity is truly an irreplaceable gift.
