Our Week in Eden

There were plenty of fun activities, and good eats, even a restaurant called Eats of Eden that I missed out on this time and would like to go back for, but the highlight of the trip was, tada, spending time with nine very special sweet and lively Washburn children that we don't get to see very often. Colin has promised he'll post some pictures of them (soon). The three of us, Dan, Colin, and I, shared a cabin with Greg's and Neil's families. Of the three cabins we've rented thusfar, this was my favorite by a longshot. It was modern and well furnished and in good repair, with a wonderful deck surrounded by scrub oaks and wildflowers, which were not only attractive to us but to various welcome winged creatures. I heard my first hummingbird ever out on the deck. And there were butterflies and bees too. We spied a few hornets that we made sure to steer clear of. I think they were making a home for themselves in the ski lift swing on the deck, so when the sun woke them up for the day, we vacated the swing until sunset. I spent a few happy hours there reading Miss Hickory, my favorite book from my childhood, to Tori, who is a very good listener and observer of nature. I sent Little House in the Big Woods on CD to Tori, Juli, and Christian so they could enjoy it during their long drive from Denver to Eden/Liberty, Utah and back.. Dan and I listened to The Hunger Games while there. I think it's the first book we've ever read together. Colin heard little snatches of it and is reading it now too. The protagonist is a very strong and competent 16-year-old girl. I asked Dan if he knew girls could be so strong, and he replied, "Yes, .... in a book." From now on, I'll be packing a good book to take along on vacation. We've found that it's important to have some quiet time interspersed with the busy, active times.
Greg brought along his girlfriend, Mae, and we appreciated the cooking and cleaning she did! I told her she made it seem like we'd hired a caterer for the reunion. It's clear she's a very talented and capable young woman, but we pray they will take their time before making any serious long-term plans. Once bitten, twice shy, and we know they've both sustained more than one set of toothmarks. OUCH! Guard your hearts, my friends, guard your hearts! I certainly shall. Greg's little ones buzzed about Mae like bees around clover. She seemed to dote on them, putting the girls' hair in French braids and giving Christian his favorite do, a Mohawk. So cute. ( pictures, Colin, pictures!)

Tuesday: Hike to a waterfall; a wiener roast and smores in North Fork Park; swimming in Pineview reservoir.

Wednesday: We met up with Kimball's and Ethan's families for exploring and picnicking at the cool dinosaur park in Ogden. Then we all went back to the cabin for a baby shower for Neil and Penny, and a pulled pork dinner prepared by Mae, followed by a high-spirited talent show!

Thursday: A visit to Carver's Cove Petting Farm for Greg's gang, and a trip to Les Schwab for a brake job on our car for Dan and me. Can you guess who had more fun.

Friday: Ethan and Missy invited us to meet them at a park in Kaysville for a yummy hamburger and fruit picnic, and lots of cousin time on the playground.

Saturday: Kaden's baptism! A luncheon in Jessica's brother's backyard. Then it was time for a few last pictures and saying goodbye all around.





Afterward, we had nice visits with Alan and Linda Washburn, and Julie and Lonnie Baird, including Liz and Amy and their cute little girls, also Joe, Shonn, Zach and Caleb; and Seth even took a little time to favor us with some banjo picking. And we finally got our paws on one of the famous In and Out Burgers. Colin was a huge help in cleaning the cabin and packing up for the trip home. Once back in Boise, we met Ethan and Missy and family at the cemetery and had a family prayer at Jordan's grave. It was our way of including him in our week of family togetherness. Our missionary, Shane, was remembered in our prayers. We are so grateful all went well, everyone stayed safe, and that most of us would even like to reunite again next year. Now that's what I call a success!