Part 3 - Reunions!

The best part of our summer vacation was attending two family reunions. With the Elliott family, we spent a few days up at Bear Lake. Of course it was BEAUTIFUL! We loved hiking and boating/canoeing on the lake. All of my cousins (and their spouses) made it (with the exception of a few missionaries) as well as all my aunts and uncles. Chaz and his little family were the only ones missing! It was quite the gathering! The most memorable moment occurred on the hike, when Carson decided he wanted to be like his uncles and rope-swing out over a glacier lake. I couldn't believe he was brave enough to let go of the rope and fall about...oh 20ft or so...into the freezing water! Everyone was amazed he did it! Way to go Carson!

Here are the boys & their cousins/uncles on the hike:


Here is Uncle Kage...about to let go of the rope...you can kind of see how high it is...

"Geronimo!" Carson:

Freezing, but proud, with Uncle Jacob:

Warming up with TJ's hat and a dry shirt...see that snow in the background! Brrr!

Nixan, like his Mom, enjoyed the water much more sensibly:

And here we are at BEAR LAKE:

Then there was the awesome Ordyna Family reunion...where we all gathered on the Oregon Coast at Cannon Beach. We stayed right on the beach and enjoyed our ocean views and falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing. I can't describe how gorgeous it was....with the rocky cliffs and tall pines...the sandy shores....and, of course, Haystack Rock! We loved playing on the beaches, exploring the marine gardens when the tide was low, and just being all together with the whole family! Nick especially enjoyed going sea fishing with his brothers and Dad....they caught some great salmon! (We've already eaten ours!)

A view of the shoreline:

One foggy morning, exploring on the beach:

They found a starfish!

The family at Haystack Rock (as featured in the "Goonies" movie!):

Campfires and s'mores on the beach...awesome! Plus...Nick is just hot in this pic!

Riding beach bikes...and we thought Nixan couldn't do it...he was a pro!

Dining with the best folks ever:

Hooray for Reunions!