The Reeve Family: Playing Catch Up

What a Reunion!

We had the wonderful opportunity to visit some of our family this summer. It had been a few years since all the cousins have been together. In fact, our kids had never even met two of Brittany's kids! Getting together for a little reunion was looong overdue.

Brett, Brittany, Kathy, Angie, Brian

While in the area, we thought we'd revisit our first apartment. Our kids thought it was awesome to see where we lived before any of them were born.

Our first apartment wasn't anything fancy. It was a whopping 430 square feet. We had a tiny living room, a hallway-like kitchen with a miniature oven, metal cupboards, no dishwasher, no garbage disposal, and no pantry. Just the basics. The unit didn't have an air conditioner, so we bought fans. We had to find a collapsible table to fit in the "eating area". Our bathroom was so narrow, Brian had to turn his shoulders sideways slightly to fit between the wall and the bathtub/shower. There was no washer or dryer - so I'd walk across the parking lot into the next set of apartments and down into the basement where I could operate the coin-op laundry.

But it was clean and it was ours. Our only complaint was our noisy neighbors. (Our walls were paper-thin.)

We were blissfully happy in that tiny apartment!

Our back door. Sometimes when it was too hot to eat inside, we'd move our camping chairs onto the balcony (we were on the middle floor).

Our front door. Angie had made us a wreath that we hung around the number 54. It seems not so long ago that we lived there. It was a perfect first apartment.

Dinner. Arrrr, matey!

The first day we arrived, we ate at this awesome pirate-themed restaurant. The kids felt like they were at Disneyland visiting Pirates of the Caribbean!

Nana had Annika cracking up!

Passing the baby...

Annika with her cousin, Ashlynn.

Annika with her cousin, Ashlee.

Annika with her cousin, Kaytee.

Annika with her Auntie Stacie.

Left to right: Ashlynn, Kylie, Irelynn.

These little cousins are all only a few months apart - and they did a great job making friends on this trip.

GG loved holding Annika. And Annika was so content in GG's arms. I'm really glad that GG had the opportunity to visit with us while we were there.

Before heading to a nearby waterpark, we had breakfast at IHOP. IHOP is our kids' favorite restaurant. :) Check out those stylin' glasses!

Cowabunga Waterpark!

Uncle Brett and Kaytee in the lazy river

Left to right: Toree, Irelynn, Uncle Jared, Nana, Auntie Angie, Branson

I was perfectly happy reading a book in the shade. When Annika woke up, I enjoyed entertaining her.

We went to a museum - but it was closed. We thought we'd take a picture in front of this historic home before leaving for the...

Park!

We ended up at the park and the kids were thrilled. It gave them a chance to interact with cousins that they're still getting to know.

Branson and cousin Benjamin.

Left to right: Kaytee, Ashlee, Natalya, Toree, Benjamin.

Brynnlee with Irelynn

We shared meals together...

played together...

hung out together...

And made friends.

Meanwhile, Nana enjoyed little Annika some more! She's such a little sweetie.

Rosalie was sick during our stay, but she was still a pleasure. (I love those blue eyes.)

Auntie Angie and Zach

Ashley's Bridal Shower

My niece, Ashley, got married in the Bountiful temple while we were visiting. I was so glad that I was there the week prior to her wedding so that I could go to her shower and through the temple with her for her first time. It was a wonderful experience!

My brother, Corey, and I went in on a vacuum for Ashley. When Brian and I got married we were SO grateful when we got our vacuum as a wedding present. Every little bit helps when you're starting off.

Salt Lake City Temple Trip

We all agreed that a trip to the Salt Lake City temple would be a great experience. We were right - the kids all enjoyed taking a tour of the Conference Center, walking on the temple grounds, and spending time at the Visitor's Center.

Irelynn and Ashlynn in front of fountains at the Conference Center.

I found a photo of the Conference Center at night.

It seats about 21,000 people in the main auditorium. It's used for twice-yearly church conferences, civic events, devotionals, and concerts for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

During our tour, we stood on the main floor of the auditorium. The organ is a stunning sight.

The artwork, ceilings, fountains, and architecture were all beautiful.

We walked across the street to the temple. It's an amazing sight. The kids were in awe!

It took 40 years to build this temple! Construction began in 1853 and continued until it was completed in 1893. Some of my ancestors on my father's side were involved in its construction. The saints at that time were persecuted and sacrificed much, even their lives to help restore Christ's church on the earth. These valiant pioneers were the pinnacle if charity and humility. Although they weren't perfect, they did their best to build up and strengthen the Lord's kingdom here upon the Earth.

It was awesome to take our kids to the temple because it was a physical representation of lessons we've taught them. Because everything that occurs in the temple culminates to our families being together eternally. And I can't imagine life any other way.