Phelps/Palmer/Johnson Reunion in Bountiful

 27 June 2015

Phelps/Palmer/Johnson Reunion

Even being in Utah for a month, there is never enough time to spend the amount of time we'd like to with all of our family. That's what we get for having so much family in Utah! Thankfully though, my  Dad's side made an incredible effort and as many as could came together for a reunion of sorts in Bountiful. The entire time we were there I kept thinking about how much Grandma would have loved to have been there to watch all her great grandbabies running around (and laying around). It was a fiesta for sure. Michael and Heidi reserved their cultural hall in their church building for us - and it was the perfect fit for our needs. It even had some awesome outdoor amenities, though it was far too hot to enjoy the playground. We played basketball, the kids ran around and played, we visited, we ate watermelon, Aaron taught the family how to play Werewolf, and we even barbecued for dinner and had root beer floats for dessert. It was fantastic. I loved hearing my Aunt Calleen's laugh resonate through the halls, the kids squealing on the stage, the 5 babies crying at different and the same times, and the buzz of a big happy family in the church building. I know my Phelps family was so grateful for all those who came together so we could see them and spend valuable time. One of the highlights was getting the babies of 2015 together for a photo. We are missing 2 from the photo...Jenny's little Samuel (Canada really is SO far away) and Amber's little one to be born in December! The other highlight was being there to see Grandpa open his Father's Day gift from Dad and Mom - the memoir book of Grandma Phelps. It was an emotional moment. It was then wonderful for folks to gather and go through the photos and share memories. Because the book includes the photos the family contributed for her memorial service, it really is a book created by the family. I loved having some quiet one on one time with my Grandpa. I'm a sentimental junkie and love those times the very most. It was a day to remember for sure.

Mamas and babies of 2015.

The infamous Werewolf. It brings out a side in you that you didn't know existed!!!

Will adores his cousin, "Baby Nonni". He loves to tickle her and just be by her.

Could they be any cuter? Olivia and her cousin Jada.

Heaven help me. She's already the posing queen.

Samuel J was the comic relief of the afternoon as he decided to drop his pants and come scuffling into the room.

Best friends "separated at birth" by only 2 days.

I really do just love her.

We accomplished the impossible. All of us there in one frame, and all but a few looking at the camera with open eyes. And considering that those few were the littles, I'm counting this a HUGE success. We are a good looking bunch Grandma and Grandpa Phelps - you did good. ;)