Bear Lake Family Reunion

Okay, I finally finished this post for our 4th of July Trip to Bear Lake... it took all week and getting pictures from my mom & sister to complete our fun family adventure... ENJOY!!!

Every year we get together with my parents and sisters and their families for a reunion. This year we went to Bear Lake. For those who don't know where Bear Lake is found.... look on the right lower corner of Idaho and the right upper corner of Utah.

Our first stop was to my sister Kimberly & her husband Trent's home in Pocatello. Trent was unable to vacation with the rest of the family. This past March, he had an accident at work, which a huge "something" pound table fell on his leg and knee (it was being suspended in the air, when a chain broke) He has had rough time getting better. After one surgery and two scopes.. there is still no hope in the air for a quick recovery. Our prayers are with him Always!!

Top Row L-R : Kimberly Harding holding Kiri, my dad Bruce, Jeff, Me, Annie, Shilo Bingham holding Bryan

Sitting: Trent Harding holding Kristie, Tietjen, my mom Jill holding Blake Bingham, Jillyn Bigham holding Caleb

So, we took a family picture in Pocatello... then another at Bear Lake. Where we met up with my youngest sister Brookie and her husband Aaron. She is FINALLY Pregnant and we are so excited for another neice this September.. They just need a name.. ANY SUGGESTIONS readers???

Back Row L-R : My dad, Jeff, Shilo holding Bryan, Aaron

Front L-R: My mom, Me with Anna Belle, Kimberly with Kiri, Jillyn with Caleb, Brookie

Very Front row: Tietjen, Kristie, Blake (sitting in Annie pink chair.. that every little kid loves)

At Bear Lake we have stayed a number of different places... this year we stayed at the original homestead of the Arnell family... they are founders of St. Charles on the North/East side of Bear Lake. That is the orignal cabin pictured behind us all.

Every year my mom buys matching shirts.. I helped her pick these ones out... all the grandkids except Anna Belle. She wouldnt sit long enough for the picture. The adults have t-shirts my parents brought back from Hawaii.

Finally she sat!!

From left to Right: Bryan Bingham, holding his baby brother Caleb,

Kristie & Kiri Harding, Tietjen.

Front row: Annie and Blake Bingham

Here we are just enjoying being together as a family.

Some singing & dancing....

Riding in the back of Uncle Aaron's truck.

Going for walks to enterain the kids and enjoy the senery.

And eating LOTS OF FOOD...

Here we are playing in the water...

(Tietjen had his mouth full of nerds candy!!)

Jeff had the Tietjen & his cousins helping him dig.

This is Jeff's Masterpiece!!

On Saturday, everyone one headed home, except us and my sister Jillyn and her family. We drove up the into the mountains just west of Bear Lake to visit the "Minnetonka Cave". It is a full mile trip, but takes 90 mintues... mostly stairs. Jeff carried Anna Belle on his back in a carrier, and Tietjen walked (with his monkey leash on his back). The Cave is cold and stays a 40 F all year!

Tietjen did so good getting in, but on the way out.. he was tired and didnt want to walk anymore. I carried him the first set of hug stairs and I was exhausted. So, Jeff (the most amazing father there is) Carried Tietjen the whole way out. My sister has two boys walking and they did great the whole time. Way to go Blake & Bryan!! (Their baby Caleb is under the jacket, Shilo is carrying him)







Then the Bighams went home and we drove to Montpelier, Idaho. Which 30 mintues north of Bear Lake (2 hours from home) and we camped another night at a KOA!!

Poor Jeff had to set up the Tent ..... AGAIN!!!

Just hanging out and playing games in the tent.. Tietjen & Annie liked to jump on her matteress.

Or just play in the dirt.
Of course, Jeff's major accomplishment was that our neighbors didnt want their coalman stove (its a camping stove) and gave it to us free because they didnt think it worked.... we took it home and it works GREAT!! They weren't campers... after arguing all night getting their site set up... no one had brought flashlights. We just laughed as they drove away back into town to get some.

SO WAY TO JEFF... on your free camping STOVE!!

Tietjen looked so cute and was so tired on our way home Sunday morning!! But, he loved it. He keeps telling everyone that we went camping and swiming in the big water with the big sand box!! (Bear Lake). I enjoyed gettting home to my bed and shower!!! We love camping though!!