Packer Family Reunion 2011

Each year we have a reunion for the Packer side of the family and this year was no exception. We went to Elk Flats (north of Pine, Idaho). We've gone there many, many times and it was so beautiful and green this year. The reservoir and river were both so high. I don't ever remember that much water. It was incredible!

The moon was really cool.

We had a very small turnout this year, which was sad, but we had a great time just the same. On Thursday night there were only 5 of us (my mom, Aunt June, Uncle Steve and me and Lindsay). A big storm moved in and it dumped rain for quite a while. Thank goodness we have a tent trailer because it would have been seriously soggy sitting in the tents. We seized the opportunity and taught mom, June and Steve how to play Killer Bunnies! I think they thought we were a little crazy but it was good.

On Friday morning Aunt Jannet came up and we pretty much had the day to ourselves. We didn't really do much but the day was perfect. We visited and gathered firewood and although it sounds pitiful it was absolutely wonderful just getting away from it all. I loved sitting and talking with my family. Lindsay took a nap and we anxiously waiting for the rest of the family.

Late on Friday evening everyone else showed up: Shad and Laura, JJ, Sage & Riley, Tony, Donna and their 3 kids and Gabe, Jess and and their 2 kids. We ate taco salads and then sat around the fire. The kids all loved to roast Starbursts and run around re-acquainting themselves with their cousins.

JJ and Sage

Riley (Sage's BFF)

Saturday morning brought breakfast and lots of visiting. We had a lots of shade and we played Blokus and mancalla and enjoyed each others company. We had burgers and dogs for lunch and then we made dutch-oven potatoes, corn and chicken for dinner. I love, love, love dutch-oven food.

Steve in his chair

Saturday night dinner

Sage demonstrating the 'Sharkey'

Taura

Uncle Tony looking mostly asleep.

Each year on Saturday night we have a raffle to raise money to fund the reunion for the following year. This year there were lots of goodies to be raffled off. We won a camping quilt made by my Aunt Jannet. In all the years we've gone this is only our second quilt and we love the first one. I am very excited for the addition. The kids loved the Pillow Pet Pee Wees. Lindsay got this one:

Go figure, Sage got this:

There were lots of hand made wash clothes and squirt guns, a really nice electric backyard grill, some very cool denim bags to haul your dutch-oven in and tons of other great prizes. It was fun.

After the raffle most of us went down to the hot springs for a little swim. The adults climbed into the back of Shad's truck and drove the 1/4 mile away. It was cute watching all the little kids eagerly awaiting the hot springs. The water was really nice if you got in the right spot. Some of the water was SUPER hot and some was freezing. The sun was doing down and the steam looked really cool. Jess took a bunch of pictures. When she emails me, I will add them.

It was a wonderful weekend and I am looking forward to next year!