Richardson Family Reunion

We just got back yesterday from the Richardson family reunion where we went camping up at Cedar Ranch(Jake's grandpa's land) which is between Heber and Holbrook. We go there every year and its usually Memorial Day weekend but they changed it this year to 4th of July weekend because some family had other things planned. We had a lot of fun hangin out with family that we hadn't seen in a long time. It would of been nice to see fireworks but the kids didn't seem to miss it that much. The weather wasn't too bad, it was hot at times but we had some cloud coverage and rain which definitely helped make it cooler.

On Friday July 3rd we left early in the morning and first stopped to pick up our neice Korbyn to take her with us to the campout. We were a little crammed in our van but it worked out ok. She was very quiet, just listening to her I-Pod, thats teenagers for ya. I hope she wasn't too bored with us, we're not that exciting when we're traveling.

But then Samantha started making silly faces, making us all laugh our booties off! I couldn't stop laughing at this one!

She's gone coo-coo!

Then Kayla started making funny faces too!

Jake spotted a 1967 Cobra hard top convertable way up ahead of us. Its his favorite car so he wanted to get a better look at it. He kept trying to drive closer to it which took a while because of all the busy traffic.

We got closer and closer and...

Finally we made it! Jake was very happy!

After we passed Payson and Heber and all those beautiful trees we saw a lot of this...

and this...I know its not pretty but the land was cheap when his grandfather bought it. I probably don't have enough pictures that show what his family has done to the property but they really have made it into a fun place for the family.

The campout was a Western theme, Richardson Roundup. Jake's parents were in charge of the activities. And one of the things they planned was taken from the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie. Jake and his family can quote every line in this movie! Well his crazy parents came up with the idea to build a trojan rabbit just like the one from the movie! And wheel it around to everyone's camps and welcome them to the reunion. They recorded the sqeak and played it over and over, it was hilarious! I think everyone thought we were nuts!

My wonderful talented husband was elected to build the rabbit and he did a awesome job! It looks just like the one from the movie! Look below, great job Jake!

"Well, now, uh, Launcelot, Galahad, and I, uh, wait until

nightfall, and then leap out of the rabbit, taking the French, uh, by
surprise. Not only by surprise, but totally unarmed!"

Its the Welcome Rabbit!

"Run away! Run away! Run away! Run away! Run away! Run away!"

The next day July 4th we played some games. Jake, Samantha and I were on the purple team and Kayla was on the orange team. First we got into our teams and had a list of things to clean in the lodge, and whoever finished their list first wins. Our team didn't win but we got the place clean! After that we did relay games outside, I didn't get any pictures of this but it involved cow patties, eggs, potatoes and water balloons! It was a lot of fun!

After lunch it was kid craft time where the kids made little instruments out of cans.

Samantha making her maraca.

I did Samantha's hair all pretty for the 4th!

Kayla is enjoying a piece of cake!

Kayla couldn't get enough of playing foosball! She played it all the time with her cousins. I played a game with her and she was pretty good! Me not so good!

Later we rode the famous Richardson train! All aboard choo-choo! The girls love riding the train, they could ride all day! They played their instruments and sang patriotic songs.

Jake having fun on the train!

Jake, Shera, Tom, Matt and Grant decided to go on a bike ride. They kept asking me to come but I kept saying no because it was too stinkin hot! I thought they were crazy! But then at the last minute, someone twisted my arm and I said I'd go. I used to go mountain biking with Jake all the time before we had kids and was pretty good. But its been many years since I'd gone on any rough trails so I was a little nervous. But I did ok, didn't fall or pass out. It was fun!

Yee Haw! Time for our Richardson Hoe Down! Mostly everyone dressed up in their western duds and had a good 'ole time! There was laughing, singing, guitar strummin', square dancin' and other types of fun dancin'!

Kayla lookin all westerny!

Its Club Cedar Ranch!
Kayla and her cousins getting their groove on!

Jake's parents singing "Ghost Rider in the Sky" but they replaced the word Rider to Chickens to fit the western theme. Funny!

On Sunday we had church at the lodge which is like sacrament meeting but without the sacrament. Afterwards we took family pictures, this is a picture of Jake's grandparents in the middle with all their children. Jake's dad is second oldest and on the far right. I always have such a good time when I'm around them. I love listening to Jake's uncles and aunts tell stories about when they were kids, they make me laugh all the time! They are such a close family helping and supporting eachother. And Jake's grandparents are so loving, accepting everyone with open arms! I feel like their my own grandparents and love them very much! I feel so lucky to belong to this awesome family!

Later we relaxed and sat around visiting, saying bye to family who left and then we decided it was time for us to leave too. So we packed up our things and said our goodbyes. We had fun and can't wait to do it all over again!