Family Reunion

On July 16-19 2009 was the Jerry and LaWana Stevens family Reunion. It was held at Ross' sister's house here in Emmett. We all had a wonderful time. There were so many fun-filled activites during those 3 days.

We missed dearly Mike, Lisa, LaWana and Taylor Wright, Matt, Corrine, and Hailey Butler, our missionaries Trevor and Jacob this reunion. We look forward to seeing you sometime soon and love you all dearly! Chelsea was able to be here Thur and Friday of the reunion and then left to help her parents in Ore.

Thursday we enjoyed fishing and eating while families were pulling in and setting up tents in the front yard. Wish you could have seen it...looked like a really nice campground!

Friday was swimming at their pond, some more fishing, quilting and fun visiting. Then that evening Mom and Dad had a special program planned for the family. They never have seen a Flag retired before and I am not sure if any of us have either. We all sat in a circle around the fire and watched reverently while the grandsons and those who were scouts (and had uniforms) performed the Flag retiring ceremony. I have to admit I was quite emotional as I think I wasn't the only one. It was a very special moment. Then Mom and Dad drew names for the quilts. Then they and Tammy presented last years Host their quilt and Sondra and Craig were most grateful and surprised. It is so beautiful! Afterwards Mom and Dad gave out a candle in a walnut shell and we all headed down to the pond to have our candles lit and then placed them in the pond at dark. It was so beautiful to watch. It was all so wonderful.

Saturday was the service projects. Alot of family jumped in and helped cut and wrap a beef for William Mackee (sp?) who Dad and Mom get their hay from for the horses. Then Craig sawed up a bunch of logs. Jerry (our boy) changed the brake pads and roters on our van for the first time with the supervision of his Uncle Eddie and Dad. Many of the grandchildren helped some of the adults tie quilts. Then we went to the downtown building and had the famous and thoroughly enjoyable Grandma's Store! During the event we finished drawing on the quilt squares for the quilts next year. Then was the Talent show "Stevens got Talent" and yes they do! There was laughter, applause and much to enjoy. Thank you to all for sharing your talents and those who share them with us every day. Then we all went to the Emmett City Pool from 6-8 pm and we all had so much fun! A cousin of the family Shauna closed the pool that day but let us all come and play at the pool while her kids were life guards for us. We are very grateful for her kindness. Then we were able to all take showers while at the pool and how convenient that was! We ended the evening with Family Group Pictures and then had our Planning meeting for the next reunion.

Sunday we went and joined Tammy and the family at her ward.

I just want to say thank you to all who made it possible and a very memorable weekend. I am afraid that if I start naming people I might leave someone out and that is the last thing I want to do. We loved every minute of it and are thankful to be a part of this amazing family!