BIG Loggy!

Front view of the 'cabin', Big Loggy

Our first official family reunion was this year in Driggs, Idaho. Pat and I decided that we were just going to go ahead and plan it and whoever showed up (which we tried really hard to work with everyone) showed up! Fortunately, everyone showed up! Originally we had thought of holding it in Park City, but instead we chose Driggs, for several reasons... first, 3/4 of the kids (at the time) lived close by (Rach has now moved back in with us for a year); second, I thought it would be more secluded than Island Park, and I was right!; third, Craig and Angie wanted to see somewhere other than Utah! (and who can blame them?)

The view from the back porch... The Tetons - gorgeous, isn't it?

We had thought that we would rent Big Loggy from Monday - Thursday, since we were in Utah for the weekend for Craig and Angie's sealing. However, the owner that handles the rentals offered it to us for Sunday for free, so we took him up on it! (one less hotel room to pay for) Wow, were we blessed to be able to stay there. I will tell you a little about Big Loggy so you understand.

Big Loggy is on 2 1/2 acres with the Tetons as the view from the backyard and porch. It is simply gorgeous. The house itself is 4300 sq. ft., with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. There are 2 King suites on the main floor, and 2 bedrooms in the walk out basement with queen beds, and another with a double bed and 3 bunkbeds (as Rylee called them... 'big, Big beds!) The kitchen was a generous size and the dining room sat 10 comfortably, but we managed to seat us all around the table. (9 adults, 1 child, 1 toddler, 2 babies) The living room was comfy (as were the beds - everyone loved them), and the family room downstairs was much like a theater room. The laundry room was huge, and there was so much extra space downstairs you could easily sleep another 6 people, and I do mean easily. The house was perfect for our needs - we weren't in each other's way at all.

The kitchen

Bedroom with 'big, BIG bed' - where Rylee and Rachel slept :)

The dining area, with the kitchen in the background.

Master Bathroom - sunken tub (which the little ones enjoyed),
walk in shower, and double sinks... so nice.

Master bedroom #1 - the other one was a little smaller.
Pat wanted to be nice and give this room to one of the kids... my reaction? "No Way!"

On Monday afternoon Pat took most everyone shooting. We talked to a friend of ours from the area and he said to just drive up in the mountains until you find a clearing that no one lives on! After a lengthy drive they found just the right spot and now everyone loves shooting! (Amy, Angie, me and the grandchildren all stayed behind.)

The target...

Rachel shooting... a natural, from what I hear!

Pat is enjoying himself! Sam is concentrating!

Linzi, Sam and Craig. Brad's in the background and we don't

have a clear pic of him shooting. *sigh*

One of the best things we did there was for family night. After most of the kids had gone to bed we had the kids tell us about our ancestor's countries: Sweden, Scotland/Ireland, England, Germany, and Canada. It was interesting hearing some of their history and interesting facts. We showed them pictures of some of our ancestors, too. After that we played a quick fun game, and then us girls got into scrapbooking - not Angie's favorite thing to do, especially that late at night... sorry Ang! We were all tired, but we began a scrapbook depicting the past year, so that every year when we get together we can update it, and have a picture history of our family. I will also insert some of the pics we took while we were there. I am excited to have this tradition in our family, I think the kids will love it when they get older.

Linzi's friend, Megan, came and took our family pictures on Tuesday morning. I love the way they all turned out. The only problem was that in the family pics Linzi was usually hidden by Sadie... but there are a few where she isn't so it's all good!

Our wonderful family!

Craig and Angie had to leave early since they weren't feeling well and he needed to get back for work, we were sorry to see them go.

Another fun thing we did was go to Jackson Hole. We went to lunch and then walked around the town. The only difficult part was that the kids couldn't touch anything... that is so hard for little hands to keep to themselves, especially when they can touch at some stores and not at others! Also, Sam enjoyed seeing the many art galleries there, kind of like going to Carmel.

The park - we just decided to relax for a while, and let the kids unwind.
Linzi, Amy, James, Rachel and Rylee

Rachel and Rylee

Wednesday was spent just kind of hanging out around the cabin. Several of us went for walks, and there was a lot of sitting on the porch, and playing games. Pat even played Wii a few times that night - even staying up late with the kids! I know, its amazing that he will play any kind of video game, especially since they all make him dizzy! But the Wii was great! (maybe I will convince him to get one, hmmm)

Thursday morning was spent packing up and heading back to Rexburg. By the time we left and got back we were all pretty tired, it had been a busy week! However, we went back to pack up Rachel's belongings in both of our cars (filled to the brim, literally, and only the drivers seat was available in Pat's car). (it would be a long drive home on Friday) And Sam and Linzi went home to a notice that their carpets were going to be cleaned that day, so they had to hustle and get everything out of the way - so exhausting!

After getting everything situated and seeing everyone for one last little visit Pat and I were comfortably situated in our hotel room. We slept well that night! The following morning we were up by 6 AM, over at Amy's to get Rach and say quick good-byes around 6:30 and out the door and on the road by 7:15 AM. There was a great deal of construction and lots of delays but we still had a good trip. We were home that evening, 8:30 PM our time. Family is wonderful, but home is great too! :)