Richards reunion at Bear Lake

June 23-27 the Richards family all stayed at a big house in Garden City at Bear Lake. We arrived Friday afternoon and the cousins tumbled in and out of the house and all over it as they explored and played together.

Lots of wiffle ball was played in the backyard. The ball got lost a few times in the prickly tall weeds to the side but thankfully was recovered each time.

Lots of games and play also happened inside together.

And visiting in the big room.

We ate really well with each sibling taking a meal to cook. These girl cousins stuck together a lot.

The big table was a great spot.

Older cousins liked to hold and/or tease the babies. Here is James with Jack.

Andrew was often playing with Lou.

Here's Andrew with Jack.

They must get their love of babies from JB.

Millie tried out a concert on the top of the bunkbed in the cousins room.

Saturday

Saturday we all went over to a place where they did big family bikes. The Robertsons took James in their empty seat and I'm so grateful he had that adventure! The other bikes weren't ready for a few hours so the rest of us couldn't follow.

We did meet up at the Bridgerland Adventure Park. Here are JB and Millie waiting for their tube ride.

Ben also took a tube ride.

JB and Ben did minigolf but it wasn't their favorite. They were good sports though.

James was really brave and tried the ropes course.

Max and Andrew did the ropes course -- I think all three levels -- and it took them a while. Andrew put the backstrap up on his Crocs for sport mode.

Also on Saturday, Bart took the boat out onto the lake and took turns taking the cousins out. When JB went, he took this picture of The Captain.

Here are Phin, Andrew and James ready for their first ride.

They did not like being tossed off.

But they were good sports about it.

I helped some of the cousins make bracelets. I think next time I'll recruit another adult to help tie off the fastenings. But these kids were all very patient waiting for their turn.

Sunday

On Sunday we went to Sacrament meeting -- JB took a photo of a sleeping Alice on Scott.

After Church, we drove to Paris, Idaho, to see the Paris Idaho Tabernacle. Volunteer missionaries lead tours there over the summer, and I loved learning about the pioneers in this area.

Here are the cousins who took the tour. The inside was decorated for the upcoming Fourth of July community event.

Nonna and Papa.

That evening, Suzanne painted the girls' nails and Nonna's nails to feel fancy for the family pictures the next day.

Monday

We had a photographer scheduled to take family photos Monday morning. James and Silas waited for everyone to be ready.

I'll do another post with the official pictures, but here are some from our phones.

 All the grandchildren with their grandparents.

After the photos, we packed lunches and headed to Rendezvous Beach. There was a big spot of shallow water before the lake that was warmer and easier for little kids to play in.

They all wanted a turn on Jeffrey's orca whale.

Millie was grateful for Rachel sharing the paints with her to paint shells.

Speaking of painting, that afternoon Suzanne and Seth helped everyone make their own Harry Potter wand.

This over-tired girl ended up being too emotional that night to be in the bunkroom so she slept on the floor by my side of the bed. 

We packed up and cleaned and left Tuesday morning. We had such a great time!