Actually went to a temple!

It really is a must do, when you have three temples within 30 minutes from where you are staying. We could have gone to Bountiful, Salt Lake or Ogden. Any would be have wonderful but I was glad we went to Ogden. It has been newly redone and was just stunning. It was very nice to go with my parents and my oldest sister and her husband. We left rather early in the morning but it was worth it.

Visit with old friends from our days in Columbus, MS

I am ashamed to admit that it wasn't until we drove into Layton area, I saw a sign for Hill Air Force Base, that I remembered our friends. I was so focused on our family reunion that I didn't even consider who else might be in Utah. I quickly sent my friend a message and we were able to connect and set up a time to get together! We knew these two way back, before Ben was born. They have never met any of our children, and we have never met theirs. It was delightful to meet, spend time together, chatting and so forth. Ben was still the only boy because our friends have three girls. Oh well. We enjoy yummy mini raspberry cheesecakes which they had made for Father's Day. It was such a treat to visit with them.

Sunday Dinner

 Tinlee got some sort of bug and was not feeling well.

Electronical devices always get some attention.

Sitting around chatting and waiting for dinner.

Not really sure how this one got taken...

Maybe it was a bloody nose.

Life happens.

Grammy making yummy rolls!

It's a large gathering of hungry people.

 Little cousins gather around the oldest cousin.

Tanner was giving rides to some of his admirers.

Just a view the other way, possibly after dinner.

Family Pictures

The whole Payne Family

minus a few cousins.

All the grandchildren

minus a few cousins.

Me and my sisters.

My siblings.

I did not include any pictures where my brother's eyes were rolled up or any of the other goofy pictures - but they did happen and we are that kind of fun family!

[I don't know why I didn't think to have my parent's join us, but I make up for it later.]

Evening Activity

"Come and see what I can do!"

Always a little scary to hear.

I just worried that they would land on their necks,

and never be the same again.

They sure had big smiles on their faces!

Aunt Monique had the Scripture Moment.

Everyone enjoyed thinking of ways to make our chains strong

so we can stay connected to our anchor,

who is Jesus Christ.

Picnic with our extended family.

This morning, I was able to attend the baptism of my youngest cousin's oldest daughter. I went with my sister, her husband, and my father (the great-uncle). We were a bit late but made it in time for most of the program. They start off as a big group of all the kids in the stake that are getting baptized - there were 5. After the talks and musical numbers, they break off into groups. Those who were there to witness my cousin's went first. He performed the baptism and was also the bishop of their ward (newly called). Then we went to another room to wait for them, had a testimony meeting after the confirmation and then closed with a prayer. It was a wonderful event and I was so glad that I decided to attend and show our families support. 

We then went to a park nearby and joined the others who were waiting for us. We noticed some of our group were up on the hill nearby climbing all the way to the top.

Can you see the three people: Kevin, Ben, and Marissa.

My father started spitballs.

My brother got hit and shot back with ice balls.

Lovely playground to play Groundies - a form of tag.

View of the Salt Lake Valley.

Lovely pavilion for lunch.

My dad and my aunt!

I just missed a picture of my aunt climbing the wires!

She is awesome and so fun!

More wonderful extended family!

Burke and his littlest.

Sugar cookie time!

Yum!

David with Liisa

The race is on!

They had a couple of these.

Kevin joined this one.

David talking to Nicole.

Nicole attended through technology!

Good job to Alise for thinking of including her!

Loving the water holes!

Burke's family.

Since we were so close to the Bountiful Temple, our van decided to stop by. It was a quick stop, but we took time to walk all the way around and take some pictures. Temple are so beautiful, outside and inside. What great blessings they are to us.

Our little crew - with an extra cousin.

It was a lovely day. We were missing Uncle Bruce, who had to go to the hospital. We were also missing two of my cousins and their families - they don't live in Utah. It was still so wonderful to get together and visit and see our kids connect.