Bill and Rowene Vest Family Reunion 2007

On September 14th, 15th and 16th we celebrated our 6th annual Bill and Rowene Vest Family Reunion. Previously we have vacationed in San Diego, KOA in Nephi, Vest Family Home, Priest Lake, Vest Family Home, Pine Valley Cabin and this year at Scott and Annette's and Wade and Sara's home and the Abbey Inn in St. George. Our pictures speak for themselves as we enjoyed being together again.

This is one of our favorite places in St. George.

We began our reunion on Friday morning by eating a wonderful breakfast at the Abbey Inn then going for a swim in the pool. We enjoyed having the pool to ourselves as we dawned our swim gear, intertubes, boats, flotation devices and floaties for our peace of mind and safety. We had goggles and snorkles to boot for all of the young avid swimmers. We had some fun contests where the competition was stiff. The most graceful jump into the pool was by Wade as he hiked his trunks up high and jumped in like a dork. McKenzie won the contest for the best Charpae from High School Musical 2, Brynn for the prettiest and Spencer for the spinning entrance. It was a fun time to laugh and let our hair down.

We then went to Scott and Annette's home where Jenn, Chad provided all of the supplies for each of the families to make their own marshmallow shooters.

While the children were making their shooters Annette pulled out the arts and craft project where the kids created their own designs out of brightly colored beads. After creating their masterpeice Annette and McKenzie pressed the design with a hot iron to set the design in place.

They made some beautiful designs. We then all went back to our rooms for a rest to get ready for the grandchildren to have their pictures taken. Annette had purchased cream colored polo shirts for the little boys and cream tops for the girls that were adorable. The color scheme was perfect!

Thanks Annette for the color coordination. Great Job!!!

At 6:00 pm we met in the grassy area behind Pizza Factory where we met a photographer named Ashlee. The little boys struggled with the picture but even though it was a difficult task they looked so cute. Later the girls had their picture taken together and we got some cute shots. Wade and Chad then went to Cafe Rio to pick up our dinner and we went to Cox Park in St. George for a picnic. It was yummy.

We then traveled quickly to Tuacahn to attend the outdoor show of Cinderella. It was the Rodgers and Hammerstein version and was really entertaining. The night was not too hot as St. George can be in September. It was a lovely evening. On the way home Brynn, Delaney and Abbey commented that their favorite part was the wedding(Delaney and Brynn) and when they kissed (Abby). We all chuckled at their favorite scenes. Then Grandpa kissed Grandma and

WOW did they ever laugh!

Saturday we woke up early and after a hearty breakfast of Belgium waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, fresh fruit, juices and yogurt we traveled to the Red Rock above St. George for our family hike. Cooper was brave as he with the help of Wader climbed the steep red rocks of St. George. It was a very warm day but a great little hike for the fam. Spencer and McKenzie were super troopers as they lead the way through the narrows. We were more than ready for the pool when we finished our hike.

The kids had another day of fun, fun, fun as they played and played in the pool. Brynn's favorite trick was blowing air down her swim suit until her whole suit made her look like a human marshmallow. It was so fun to see her belly laugh at how funny she was.

Abby geared up with all of the swimming paraphenalia that she could find and used it however she chose.
Next we went back home for a rest and then to Scott and Annette's for a barbecue, games and visiting. Grandpa, McKenzie and Taylor (McKenzie's friend) filled a couple hundred balloons up with water for all of the children in the family to take turns aiming and firing at various targets. A couple went into the neighbors yard were the neighbor children quickly noticed and came to join us. It was so much fun. A definite game to play again next year. Another game we played was with a huge parachute. Amy used her teaching skills to teach us quickly how to make our own family balloon inside the parachute. It was a fun activity for everyone to participate in no matter what age.

After visiting together and playing games the men and boys in the family went to the neighbors to watch the BYU vs. Tulsa football game while the girls visited and Annette gave pedicures to the girls. Later we went upstairs to watch the end of the movie Cinderella Story. It was a really fun evening as we treated ourselves to a yummy serving of ice cream. We retired to our rooms for a good nights sleep.

Early Sunday morning we woke up and Grandpa went to Scott and Annette's to see who would like to come and join us for a hearty breakfast. While they were all enjoying their breakfast we received a call from Amy Joe saying Abby brought it to her attention that she must call Grandpa commenting "Grandpa forgot your youngest daughter for breakfast." Where does she think of those comments?

We attended church as a family at Wade and Sara's ward. They have a wonderful ward. The children were very reverent and After sacrament meeting we went back to Scott and Annette's for pulled pork and salads and fresh salsa and fresh fruit. It was so yummy! Scott and Annette fixed our meal with the help of several other family members.

Sunday afternoon was spent visiting and relaxing at Scott and Annette's. Emily and her friend Chris had fun entertaining the kids as well as we adults.

Slowly one by one the family began giving our hugs and saying our good-byes and heading for our various destinations. It was strange having Amy go home the other direction to Woodland. What a wonderful weekend. It could not have been any better except to have Joe be able to join us. We missed you Joe! Families are the best!