It was the Allen family's turn to plan the Bell reunion this year. We met at beautiful Fish Lake and had fun visiting with cousins we don't get to see any other time.
Liam and Spencer "hit" it off right away with a Nerf sword fight. Liam won!
The theme was "Soar High" or "Take Flight" or "Aim Higher." Anyway, the idea was for everyone to aim higher in their personal and family life. We had lots of fun crafts for every age to illustrate the theme.
The Father-Son bottle rocket building and launching was a big hit. They spent hours sending their water rockets into the air!
Spencer was in charge of the Mentos and Coke demonstration.
I love this picture of him, so excited that it worked!
I taught all the kids how to make paper airplane launchers.
Ready, Aim,...Don't you dare!
I also showed them how to do alka-seltzer rockets out of film canisters. They used up my entire supply! This was a great activity and they loved it!
After all that, it was time to rest. Uncle Dan brought a great big hammock and the cousins enjoyed their down time.
Later that night there was a treasure hunt for the kids, a yummy BBQ sandwich dinner complete with dutch oven cobbler, and a fireside program. Can't beat spending time in the outdoors with family!
After everyone else left for home from the Bell reunion, the Allens stayed behind for a few more days of fun together. We took a drive our first night there and saw how beautiful Fish Lake country can be.
Spencer was the appointed photographer and got these gorgeous shots.
This was a spot my dad remembered from when he was little.
There were pros and cons to being in the middle of nowhere. No cell phone service or TV channels but amazing views and peace and quiet.
Very early the next morning Jacob was up and dressed and ready to go fishing with his grandpa, cousins, and uncles. He was super proud of these fish he caught.
Grace and Calvin caught their share, too!
While we were there, each family taught us a little bit about their missions and their hometowns. Joe and Kelli showed everyone how to make brigadiero (YUMMY!).
Aren't they pretty?
Everyone participated in the ping pong ball tournament. It's still a debate whether Spencer or Uncle Jared is the champion!
It was so fun to play with cousins. This is adorable Grant.
And this is Isaac and Jacob playing with Clara (she even got them to play dolls with her...shhh!).
Emily and Jared brought their new canoe and let Jeremy and I take it out on the lake. What a workout!
A bridge over a stream. Who can ask for a better place to play and explore?
When it was our family's turn to talk about Peru, Jeremy taught everyone how to make pan pipes while I put the finishing touches on some of his favorite dishes from his mission. Papas a la Huancaina, Lomo Saltado, and Inca cola were a hit!
The days were filled with crafts and games and fun! This is Isaac modeling his nature mask made from items he collected outside the cabin. We loved being there! Thanks to everyone who made it so special to be together again!
