Rendezvous', Reunions & Reminiscing

We kicked off the summer in big time fashion - flying the twins to Utah and Kennedy to California! They each met up for a rendezvous to broaden their horizons. The twins each lost weight, inches, and their fat percentage went down and learned that they really like to work out.  Dustin Johnson made it fun and even threw in "Friday Fight Night" to keep things interesting (boxing gloves were used). The Hewett, Wallis, Bell and Dunston Families took their turns taking care of these two and spoiled them rotten.  They really didn't want to come home although I have a feeling the families were glad it was only a month:)  

Grandma Sonia went to her 60th class reunion in Ridgefield, UT, and then picked up Meeka in Taylor, AZ, and made her way to Santa Barbara, CA, where Kennedy was waiting for her.  I flew with her and spent a couple days there as well.  There is no place as peaceful and relaxing as the ocean and relaxing on the beach.  Kennedy spent the month of June interning at Andersen's Bakery and literally had the time of her life.

While the twins were in Utah and Kennedy in California, Boston spent a week in Gulf Shores, Alabama competing at his Select World Series baseball tournament and what an awesome, memorable week it was.

By the end of June it was time for us to all "rendezvous" in Utah for the Bateman Family Reunion and some bonus time with friends and my sister Shannon and her family and my parents.  We flew in to Las Vegas because... it was cheaper and it allowed us to see friends from Henderson to finish up our summer vacation.  About an hour out of Vegas, we heard a loud pop and soon realized our tired had blown out. Lovely.  Luckily we have AAA and they came and saved the day.  Eric attempted to show Boston how to do it but had a rough time finding the spare and just waited until the professionals came along.  I sat in the a/c truck and let the men handle things.

We were in a bit of hurry to get to Eric's 1996 BYU Football team reunion.  He made it in just the nick of time.  It was media day and all televised.  Eric was beaming.  In fact, I haven't seen  him that happy and content in a long time.  He has fond memories of his days at BYU and the camaraderie he felt there.  It's fun that many of the coaches today are the guys he played with.  The boys were able to join in on the fun and meet former teammates and get some signatures.  Lavell Edwards was the head coach and a wonderful mentor and leader.

George Curtis was one of Eric's favorites.  His body isn't cooperating with him at this point in life but he played the best pranks and Eric enjoyed his company.

Dustin Johnson is the man. He's in tip top shape and was a great example and coach for the twins.

While Eric was at some of the reunion, the boys and I hit up Costa Vida.  There isn't anything quite like this in Texas so we were salivating.  Yummy as usual!

We stayed with the Hewett's the first night (I am lame and failed to get a picture) and Boston heard they were going to the hot air balloon festival in Provo at 5 am the next morning and he actually got up and went.  He said it was really cool.

We spent the rest of time at the glamorous Holiday Inn in Orem.  Eric travels all over and is convinced they have the best beds.  My sister in law, Marie, made arrangements for the whole Bateman clan to stay there.  It was great to all be together in the same location.  Everyone couldn't make it was many have married and have kids and live further away but those that came had a grand time.

Paul and Eric making sure the hotel chairs were adequate.

Preston and Boston making sure the hotel computer was up to par.

We met up at Bridal Veil falls and hiked to the water falls then drove to Sundance for a picnic linner. It was fun to do something active and embrace the beautiful Utah nature.

We also went to the Provo Rec Center but I can't find the pictures and we spent Saturday evening on the hill below the Provo Temple eating pizza and watching the Stadium of Fire fireworks.

Sunday we went to church and then met up at the Provo City Center Temple for family pictures - the perfect spot to capture it all.

Sunday we dined on fine cuisine from KFC and the Danish bakery and enjoyed a family skit/talent show, played games and memory sharing.  It was a perfect ending to a fabulous reunion.  We love being together with family and cherish every moment.

My parents happened to be in town for my niece Sara's baptism so we took advantage of the opportunity and met up with Shannon and Dave and my parents and drove to the Uinta's.  We hiked to these gorgeous falls and tipped our toes in the water and then drove to a park for a little burger and hot dog barbecue.  Shannon and Dave came prepared and cooked up a yummy meal along with ice cream Popsicles on dry ice.  I just love the beauty and simplicity of the mountains and sharing it with family was the cherry on top.  Eric's flight was out that evening so we left a little early and headed that direction while my parents and Shannon and Dave went home.  I met back up with them later that evening but we still stayed at the our home away from home, the Holiday Inn.  It's just easier that way and everyone has their space.

Some art work from some neighbor kids in Shannon and Dave's front yard.  Yes it is what it looks like and they used salt to do it.  Kids these days...

The boys were dying to do fireworks so my dad and Dave helped them pick some out and launch them off.  Ours were baby fireworks compared to all the neighbors right around Shannon. They went to town!  

Sara is the smart one.

Kennedy was able to meet up with her friend Elyse from Texas.  She's attending her first year at BYU.

We spent a couple more days in Utah with friends.  Kennedy made one of her Danish creations for the Wallis' and boy was it yummy.  It took all night but was worth the wait.  She was disappointed in how it looked but the taste was amazing!

Hogan & Tawd.

Love these two!

A little wrestling is the norm when we're around.

We love the Wallis Family!

This is Landon Hewett's dog Rosie (and Leighton).  The boys wanted to bring one of her pups home SOOOO bad but I told Eric if he really wanted one he had to take it on the plane with him.  I wasn't about to drive it back to Vegas with me in a pick up truck filled with kids and suitcases and then fly back to Houston.  He was traveling alone.  Plus the dog was $2000 (on a deal) and English bulldogs are high maintenance.  In the end, Rocky stayed with the Hewett's (thank goodness I'm not ready for more responsibility).  The kids are still sad.

Jackson with Rocky

Timing worked out for us to hang out at Seven Peaks with the McCune's and Rich Family.  Together we have 16 kids (I only bring 4 to the party).  We picked up right where left off and the kids seem to mesh together great too.  Such a fun group and cherished friends.

Henderson really is the best place to make and keep friends!

Our final leg of the trip took us back to Henderson where we stayed with the Beckstead's.  We went to dinner with Brad and Pam, Sean and Tori and their two kids Brigham and Isley and met up before for  dinner with Kari and Grace and even managed to surprise Angelo and Boston with a get together at the bowling alley. Dan took them back to his place for a sleepover.  We got a late night hug in with Sadie at a gas station as she was teaching summer school and that was the only time we could find.  We'll take whatever we can get.

Oh and we picked up the twins buddy, Zane Smart, to join in the bowling then the boys hung out at his house for a couple hours.  Plans are still in place for these 3 to room together at BYU.

Brad and Pam had to go to work so we made ourselves at home swimming in their pool and eating around their table.  We love Brad and Pam and soaked up the little bit of time we were able to spend with them.  They were very gracious hosts.  

Those are his socks serving as a mask.  Leighton was so tired he didn't care.  I always feel a bit like this at the end of a trip/vacation with the family.  We leave with anticipation and excitement and we go home fulfilled and worn out.  As usual, there's no place like home no matter where that is.