Aspen Grove Family Reunion Begins!!

We had been planning our 2021 Thomas family reunion for 2 years. We were excited. We were anxious. We were soon to be off to ASPEN GROVE!! The anticipation was nearly killing us!!

But first...we needed the out-of-town family members to arrive. Abe and his family flew in from Florida. First stop for them was Cafe Rio. I think they ate that meal at least 4 or 5 times while they were here.

The next day we loaded everybody and everything in the cars (we had borrowed a car from my parents to use while Abe's family was in town) and we were off to Aspen Grove. We had Wynne and Newland in the car with us.

Jacob's family was driving from Omaha straight to Aspen Grove. Sarah's family was driving from Las Vegas and going straight to Aspen Grove as well.

Our drive was not very long as our destination was close to Sundance on the other side of Mt. Timpanogos. We took in the foresty scenery as we arrived at our family cabin which looked down over the camp.

Our family stayed in one of the family lodges (top of the map under the letter "F"). Glen and I stayed in the Beckham Lodge (more like a hotel--the long building by the river). 

The grandchildren were each assigned to a group according to their age. They met with their group leaders for a few minutes and came up with a group cheer to share with everyone that evening. 

Jonah was very exuberant in his rendition of his group cheer. Kade and Magnus were looking on and doing their appropriate jumping and cheering as well.

Wynne and Lincoln's group spelled out their group name BOBCATS!!

Madison (in black pants) did not have a cousin in her group with her. All the group leaders were cute with the children.

Carson (red shirt), Newland (light blue shirt), and Claire (next to Newland) were all in the same group.

Eli, Spencer and Logan (not pictured) were in the same group. I was unable to get a picture of Brooke in her group.

Caroline and Luke (gray shirts) were together.

In the teen group were Natalie...

and Emma.

There were activities families could do all throughout the camp. Jonah wanted to try his arm at playing tennis with his mom.

This was the view from the family cabin looking down on the huge field. Madison and Claire would eventually discover their favorite play place was that far playground called cowboy village.

The little grandchildren really enjoyed playing in the sandy playground. All the groups got to take turns going to the swimming pool which is partially visible behind the building. 

The bridge just beyond the pool is the connecting walkway between the upper and lower parts of the camp.

Sunday morning we awoke to a beautiful Sabbath Day at Aspen Grove. As usual, we appreciated each meal we ate that was prepared for us. We just showed up, washed our hands, and partook of the feast--three times a day. YUM!!

We discovered that one of our missionaries works at Aspen Grove--Celeste Ashdown. It was fun to see her here and there throughout our week. We promised to visit her some time when she was working at the store--where BYU Creamery ice cream could be bought. 

The building where we are standing is where all the adults attended Sunday School. The grandchildren attended Primary and their youth groups with their assigned groups.

We had previously met all together as families at the amphitheater where we had sacrament meeting. A call was put out for Aaronic Priesthood holders who could help pass the sacrament and Luke (center of photo) volunteered. 

After the two-hour block of meetings, family photos were being taken near the horseshoe pits. The little ones enjoyed playing in the sand while waiting our family's turn.

We had a group family photo which turned out surprisingly great. Individual families could have a turn if they wanted. Some of us opted out--Glen and me, Abe's family and Ben's family.

Sarah's family, Rebecca's family and Jacob's family opted in.

Before we knew it--we were back in the dining hall. It was lunch time.

The decor right above the salad bar was a huge cougar. The rest of the wall hangings were not quite as lifelike.

In the family cabin, I was getting a kick out of Kade just relaxing back against Sarah. Soon he was fast asleep.

The family had submitted t-shirt artwork ideas to Sarah who organized getting the shirts made and it was time for the big unveiling. The children concocted the idea to have Glen be wearing all of the shirts and peel off each layer one by one. 

Glen was a good sport and went along with the idea. We had to give him props because it was soooo HOT and wearing extra layers--including our new sweatshirt--sounded very unpleasant!! The sweatshirt artwork came from Dallas.

The gray t-shirt was Sarah's design.

The blue t-shirt was Jacob's design.

Note the small writing says "made possible by Pfizer."

The green shirt was Ben and Haley's design.

We had to pause for a moment for Wynne to read aloud to the group the words on the shirt.

The puns on this shirt are funny--all relating to trees, wood and Aspen Grove.

Last of all was Abe's design. 

Some of the family members thought Golem looked too scary and didn't want to wear that shirt. 

Abe had been relentless about the push-back to change his design. This is what he wanted and this is what we got. I have worn mine proudly in honor of Abe and his sense of humor.

The grandchildren spent so many hours on this playground. It was nice it was so close to the cabin. 

A group joined in on a rousing game of Bingo in the afternoon.

Some family members enjoyed playing KUBB, a game Nani provided for us to play in our free time.

Laurie and Jacob are doing a fine job modeling their new sweatshirts.

We are holding Abe's baby, Monty.

There was always a family gathering in the evenings at the cabin.

It had really been a very enjoyable Sabbath Day worshipping together as a family in the morning and then playing together all afternoon and evening. Aspen Grove was really starting to grow on me!!