Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Utah 2008: On the Field

Sun’s out, everyone to the field (that's an order), it’s gonna be a great game! This is when I find myself, conveniently and as usual, behind the camera. I catch the cocky stances at bat, the scuffles at home plate, infielders dodging runners, inside jokes in the outfield, the amazing saves and dropped balls.






Things are no less exciting off the field. Here little kids are weaving through hula hoops, big kids are texting each other and inhaling ice pops, adults are watching the action, a group is off doing a team-building exercise. I look over and the granddaughters are climbing all over Grandpa. This is my kind of game.








Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Utah 2008: Lakeside Retreat

One reunion morning we packed about three tons of canoes, inner tubes, beach chairs, life jackets, and picnic fare in (and on) our caravan of vehicles and made our way to the lake.


Hanging out in the sun with friends and family with plenty of nothing to do, a ready supply of snacks, and a camera within easy reach – that’s the true definition of the word ‘oasis’!

Highlights of the day included Andy claiming his position as king of the raft (over and over and over again); Grandma attacking all manner of foes with her water shooter; the trio of boy cousins maneuvering the canoe out into the lake on their own; and Ben, Connie, and Jeremy vying to be champion of the bouncing canoe.



Monday, July 28, 2008

Utah 2008: Welcome to Camp Shawnee

The highlight of our time with Chad’s family was a four-generation Mahoney family reunion at Camp Shawnee in Ogden Canyon. Event planners sister-in-law Rachel and cousin Amy provided just the right balance of activity, socializing, service, downtime, and (of course) eating. Of my nine years as part of this family this was the greatest opportunity to clown around, enjoy deep conversations, and get to know each other better. I wasn’t sure what was most fun – gabbing with the cousins, stealing away for some journal time in our cabin, or watching the kids bond with their cousins. I think it was the balance of all the fun things we did that made it such a superb experience. Let’s do it again sometime!

Here’s a peek at some of the things that kept us busy around the lodge: morning devotionals including a flag raising, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a spiritual thought; board and card games; quilt tying; t-shirt decorating; Grandma-hosted Mahoney bingo; story time with the uncles; and much, much more.







Sunday, July 27, 2008

Utah 2008: Grandma & Grandpa are Great

By marrying Chad I also managed to score a new set of grandparents (both sets of mine had been gone for years). Grandma and Grandpa Mahoney are so incredibly grandparently – cookie-baking, ball-playing, cabin fun-hosting honest and generous folk.

During this trip we were invited with Tiana and Nate to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for a full breakfast before church one Sunday morning. Once we managed to get Grandma to sit down with us I peppered her with questions about the family she grew up in. One of my favorite tales was how her mother as a new resident of southern Utah was recruited to teach math at the local high school, she being one of the first female college graduates in the state.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for your never-failing love and kindness to us!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Utah 2008: Meeting up with the Meikles

It’s always fun meeting up with my mother’s sister Sharon and her family when we’re in Salt Lake City. The kids pull out the vintage Fisher Price airport I played with as a child while Sharon and I catch each other up on all the family news. This time we were lucky to both hook up with my cousin David and his family and squeeze in a visit to Brian’s family. The kids had a great time playing with cousins as usual and I’m always glad to see Jeannie and Lacy too.



Friday, July 25, 2008

Utah 2008: On the Jones Ranch

We’re back at Chad’s parents’ house, the site of many memories, including a long string of family picnics. An early one that found me trying to memorize all the cousins’ names. Another where we stood for hours welcoming all our congratulating friends and family after our wedding. This time we’re enjoying the bounty emanating from Ken’s new grill. We hang out in the warm sunshine, talking and eating, eating and talking. The kids alternate between horsing around on the lawn and sneaking pieces of fruit. It’s good to be back.





Later in our visit we take a trip to Big Cottonwood canyon where we coax anecdotes of their local service mission out of Ken and Merry while dishing out bowls of soup. After lunch Chad and the kids scramble up the canyon till the boom of thunder sends us rushing back to the car.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Manzanita 2008: Family Photo


With all the comings and goings during the trip (wedding for Jen and Bert, Scout campout for Nate, work for Sheri), we were afraid we wouldn't get much of a family photo. While we were sad not to have Jen with us for this shot it was quite a milestone to get this many together at once!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Manzanita 2008: Our Beach Hangout

In July we met up with my family at a fabulous beach house in Manzanita on the Oregon Coast. Here's a look at where we hung out (when the wind wasn't too frigid):