Capener Family Reunion 2011 in Idaho--Part 1

 This year for the Capener Family Reunion, we all camped out at the KOA at Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.  Kate, Claire, Gillian, Sebron, Kira, and Orrin.

 Kira, Orrin, Ellis, and Luke.

 Uncle Ken, Aunt Wyn, Alan, and Aunt Siri.

 Eating a delicious meal together.

 Uncle Nathan with baby Nolan.

 Our children had a blast playing games with all their cousins.  Most of the 31 cousins were here.  We're only missing Ian (at school) and the Mohr cousins (in Singapore).

 Esther, Aleya, and Porter.

 Grandpa Capener, Kate, Aunt Amber, Grandma Capener, Esther, Aleya, Christian, and Orrin.

 Aunt Jana and Nolan.

 We had a nice family campfire Family Home Evening.

 What's a family campfire without some guitar music?  Thanks Uncle Phil and Uncle Cory.

 Grandma Capener shared some thoughts and stories with us all.

 We concluded with all the kids roasting marshmallows for s'mores.

 

 Of course, the boy cousins wanted to sleep in the same tent . . . our tent.  

The girl cousins wanted to sleep together in the same tent, as well, the Schmidt tent.

Visiting my Friends in Utah

 I usually always visit my friend, Eden, when we come to Utah.  This is her newly-adopted daughter Abigail.  We came at a perfect time because she invited us to their temple sealing.  What an AWESOME EXPERIENCE!

 A forever family.

 I was also lucky to visit my friend, Marissa, from Escondido.  She was my first visiting teacher when we moved to Escondido and we've been friends ever since.  They now live just above BYU campus in Provo.

 The have a lovely home with a lovely view.  Did I mention they live ridiculously close to the Marriott Center and Cougar stadium?  LUCKY!

I also had a chance to meet up with my friend, Holly.  I've know her since I was in the  Miami Lakes Ward.  She now lives in Garden Grove, Utah and has eight children now.  WOW!  What a mom!

At the Olsen/Miller Family Reunion in West Bountiful.

 We were here in Utah just in time for the Olsen/Miller family reunion.

 Great Uncle Halvor told a wonderful story of how we are linked to the original Snow White, Snefried.

 My great grandmother and great grandfather and their first few kids.

 Great Grandma Ruby and Great Grandpa Joe and their 13 kids.

 It was a nice reunion, but not well attended.

Me (Andrea) with my Grandma Moody.

Sleepovers with Utah cousins

 Amara and Aleya often get invited over for cousin sleepovers when we're visiting.

 Aleya tried to have her first sleepover with cousin Esther, but she didn't last.  She's only five.

Orrin had a big sleepover with all his cousins, Charlitos, Ellis, Sebron, and Luke.

At the pool with Utah cousins

 Amara, Aleya, and cousin Oselle.

 Joseph and cousin Alan.

 Cousin Alan, Luke, Charlitos, Orrin and Joseph.

 Aleya swims like a fish, lately.

 Underwater princesses.

 Taking turns on the low dive.

 Orrin and Cousin Luke.

Orrin, Luke, Joseph, and Alan.

Grandpa Capener's Latest Work of Art

 Christian's dad painted this latest work of art, after the manner of Bourguereau. It is a portrait of Christian's sister, Amber.   He is an exceptional artist.  He just needs more time to paint.

Touring BYU Campus

 After stops in Olathe, Kansas and Denver, Colorado with cousins, we finally made it to BYU.

 The kids decided to roll down the hill at the HBLL.

Joseph rolled right over the top of Orrin.  Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

 It is definitely our hope that our children will strive hard in school to qualify to attend BYU.  But, realistically, the girls may be the only ones that make it here.

 Chillin' at the JSB (my favorite fall-asleep classes were held in this room.  Also our church meetings were in this room).

 Newly landscaped backside of campus.

 It was a lovely day at BYU.

After spending a fortune at the BYU Bookstore, we ended with a tour of the 

Hinckley Welcome Center.