Twelve Together

 Susan went to great lengths to invite all the families and their children to a get together on Sunday when she discovered that David happened to be in town - actually the US versus Guam. Steven and Polly just happen to be in Utah from Nevada too. I think she sent over 35 texts out to all the family in and around Ogden inviting them to either watch conference at the church or come when it was over.  

Donald's bishop was gracious and let us come to their church building to hold all the family members. I asked my family to come for a least an hour from 4 to 5 pm - unless they got caught in the Lore underground. I wanted to be in the Lore family picture and I wanted my family to reconnect with their cousins. They said ok.

Rachel and I started over when President Nelson was speaking but we found after the internet dropped we couldn't hear it. By the time we got to the church he was practically done. Bad timing on my part!

It was so good to be with my brothers and sisters again. It was a year ago that we met for the cruise and were together for over a week. Now we are back to an hour or two visit and seeing each other when we can make it to the same country as well as the same place.

Twelve Together Again

Family hug roll - keeping Laura in the center.

Family Groups- Steven

Steve and Polly had the largest number of family at the church. They have a big family even without their missionary in the Ivory Coast Josh, Sarah and her husband, James and Hannah (who is going to have #2 next year!).  It was great to see Jenica (and her crew), Brian, Edward, and Clare with her husband. 

David

David had lots of family - though I never got them all together, too many competing interests!

Ludlows with hilarious boys.

The Ringlers

Crystal and Lance in all the hubbub

Ben with the twins and their brother.....rumor has it another is on the way.

Grandma and grandpa with the youngest grandchild - at least for today.

Donald

Brenda and Donald's family were in and out, running back and forth from their house next door to the church. So I never did get them pinned down for a picture. Donald very kindly sent me their latest picture - so you get the whole family instead of some!

Brendon and Reynald - the two on the far right - are planning a trip to Accra in June of 2025. They came over to talk last week and we had a very fun time planning. Donnette in the. middle next to her mom came to visit also. I'll have to post with her pumpkin skirt. She is so delightful. Not to say that Bron and Kayleen aren't just as wonderful - I just didn't get to see them this trip - or their spouses. 

Laura

Laura is a trooper and it is always good when she can make it. She experiences pain every day. I hope it never gets so bad that she feels the fight is not worth it.

Susan

Susie instigated the whole get together and had only herself. She blends in so well with all of her siblings and their children. She owns us all.

Friends from childhood

Twins - Dean and Allen

Sherry came to our girls get together on Friday but we didn't see her on Sunday. The rest of the family came - except of course Afton who is serving a mission.

Allen and Marie had been at the Ranch all weekend but made it to be part of our get together. Allen and Susie make lots of family plans for get togethers. He is the one who knew David was in the US.

Donna

Donna and Peter came but I only saw them in fragments of time. They had both come earlier to Susie's home and Donna had done me a great service while she was visiting. 

I have been experiencing a lot of pain in my left arm. I knew it was not arthritis because the pain didn't radiate from the joint - it was muscle pain whenever I lifted or twist back my arm. Donna immediately felt it and said it was a rotator muscle strain and worked on the muscle knots while she was there - now that is painful! I have been rubbing, prodding, and using hot water showers on those muscles and after 10 months I am finally experiencing less pain. Thanks to my little sister.

Donna and her son Peter

Donna working on Susie's right arm

Diana

Diana with Michael (who is on a service mission) and Johnny the youngest. Kipper and Jim could not make it this time.

Michael has been serving for over a year and his cousin Sam is now just starting his mission.

John

It was nice to see John and his daughter Ava. Rebekah and Michael started talking to them and of course Shawna and when I left a few hours later they were still visiting. Like I mentioned, they could get sucked up in the Lore underground. It is great to see the kids enjoy their uncles and cousins.

Ava and her dad John

Rebekah and Shawna are the oldest grandchildren. John is one of the youngest of my siblings. They are close in age and can talk about things they all know.

Sharon

This family has been blessed by the Lord quite a bit. David and Elizabeth have had significant surgeries and are walking and talking and living their best. So good to see all of them!

It is so nice to feel the love of family and the closeness that comes from that unity.