Gooseberry Reunion

   This weekend, July 29th through the 31st, the kids and I were privileged to go to our first Gooseberry Watkins reunion and let me tell you the kids had a blast. Addison doesn't ever remember going camping and even though we were spoiled on this camping trip with cabins and a little electricity it was still a great camping experience. The kids were bummed that it wasn't longer. In fact, Addison wanted to live there. 
    We met up with Grammy Friday night after work and she drove us the five hours to get to Gooseberry. As we were driving Grammy and I had lots of time to chat and some things we chatted about was funny but terrible experiences we had with vacations. Funny that driving to Gooseberry will be added to almost terrible experience when we almost ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere. Grammy and I were panicked that at any moment the car would stop running due to no gas and we would be in pitch black darkness with no one to call and rescue us. With many prayers and telling ourselves we would be okay, we did find a gas station before we ran out of gas. We were all saying praises and gratitude to the Lord for sparing us for a terrible travel. We got to our cabin between ten and eleven our time and even though it was so late, the kids were so excited by the cabin and camping that it took everyone a little while to go to sleep.
      The next day we were treated to great food from Pappi. He made us customized omelets but unfortunately for my picky kids they didn't really eat the whole camping trip. They did though, have many adventures and got to explore. They walked around the campgrounds and found streams, homemade bridges, a fort someone made and lots of pretty flowers. It did rain off and on, so ever so often we had to take cover in our cabin and play some card games. We even had fun sitting under the porch and watching it rain while eating snacks. When it wasn't raining Pappi took the kids on the four wheeler and took them to see a beaver damn. They were gone for a couple of hours so it must have been really far and really fun to explore. On the way back they saw a dead raccoon that they had Mommy walk and see. It looked like the raccoon was just sleeping in the middle of the road but it was definitely dead. It was sad to see. 
      We had other great food. Uncle Kirk and Aunt Paula made quesadillas and soup for lunch and then ham, potatoes and biscuits for dinner. Again, my kids didn't any of it but Mommy thought they were great. It was also nice for the kids to play with their other cousins that they haven't seen forever. They loved playing Frisbee and hiding in the large trees. Aunt Janette also had fun games to entertain the kids like badminton balloon, sling shots and lots of balloons to just whack or blow up and let go. Never a real dull moment and if there was down time, it was great weather to take a nap or go for a walk or just talk to everyone outside. That night Ethan and Addison were also really excited to experience a camping shower. They weren't to happy that after that shower they had to stay in the cabin so they would stay clean for tomorrow's church.
      The next morning Mommy got up extra early to shower while the kids were asleep to get ready for sacrament meeting. The Watkins family knew where a church building was close that we could at least go to sacrament meeting. Before we went I had the best breakfast in my life by Rachel. She made french toast and cinnamon syrup. It was dessert for breakfast. I am going to get the recipe so I can make it and get really fat off of it. It was heaven. Then we went to a sacrament meeting. Then Grammy, the kids and I drove back home with no incidents. But it did seem like the way back home was longer than the way there. When we all finally got home Mommy had everyone take bath and showers again, unpack the car and then crashed. Daddy was relieved we all made it and had fun. Matthew didn't come due to a Magic tournament which sadly he didn't do so well in. He also stayed behind to watch Tuggle. It was a fun experience that we are grateful for Pappi and Grammy let us join.