Big Simpson Family Reunion

Okay, the monday after school let out.... 15 june..the kids and I left for Idaho to visit and attend the annual Simpson Reunion. We brought the motorhome and our little trailer full of toys! I was a little intimidated by driving it, but we desperately wanted all our stuff so I just had to play it tough! Our drive was fairly uneventful, except that I made a quick stop at the Ford Dealership in Aberdeen, cause I couldn't get my seatbelt alarm to go off. The mechanic came out and worked on it.... we finally got it to stop.. and he didn't even charge us. We were very grateful.

We pulled into Grandpa and Gramma Jello's around 9:00 pm...which was very good time, but a LONG day! The next morning Wendy came by with her cute girls. Megan looovves Kas, so she had to get over to see us as soon as she could. It is fun being adored! ;) They had a great time playing. and we had a great time visiting.

While we were there, we went to visit Kim Meyers on her farm. I haven't seen her in years, so it was a great visit. Kurt and Maryhelen Freeman took us out. We were all in the Young Single Adult Branch together before we were all married.

Here are some of her calves.

Here we are, older and wiser! ;) We did have some great times at the Branch though. We'd kindof sprung our visit on Kim, after a super busy weekend, but she was very welcoming and it was great seeing her and her family. Thanks Freemans for getting us out there!

Freeman's also invited Kas to an activity, and Kurt took the boys out to Pickle Butte (their new favorite spot)....to ride! They were awesome entertainers!

I love this photo!
Best friends forever!

We had a great time with Grandpa and Gramma. We sat around and visited, watched movies, sat in the hottub, made yummy food (always)..and shared...

But, soon we were off to the reunion. Thursday to be exact!...so we loaded everything back up, except Elijah's dirt bike (he broke a shock and we wouldn't be able to replace it up there), and headed towards SWEET, Idaho. We went the long way so I could meet up with Mom and Dad Simpson along the way, and see some area we love.

Aunt Doris married Al Moses last year. He has a ranch where he hosts ward parties, reunions, etc. So, this year the Simpson Reunion was going to be there. The kids were very excited cause horse rides were promised! All I knew is it was up near Sagehen, a favorite camping spot when I lived in Nampa. This is what we saw when we arrived!



The barn is over 100 years old. It is in bad shape, but still very cool. There was a creek running through the 'camp' that was perfect for the little kids to play in. They made a water slide across from the fire pit.

We loved the atmosphere up there. Most people slept in tents up the hill from me, but I parked the motorhome near a shed, so I could plug it in. This was the view out the front door. There were many trails to ride with spectacular views. I am not sure if the recent rain made everything more beautiful than usual, or if this was standard because it was up in the hills. I know Sagehen was always very beautiful.

Love the green, rolling hills.

The horses.

The 4 wheeler became a handy tool for transporting things up to the camp spot. It was also a fun toy for all.

Swing for the kids, and a buried trampoline nearby kept the kids busy. There was actually soo much to do, the kids were never bored!The zipline was a favorite for adult and kid alike. It wasn't too long to be scary, but long enough to get a good ride! Amber....

Carrie, Elijah, Glenn and Mom....Teaka playing nice with the little blondie's (Levi in this case).....Kaleb stole the glasses from Jake right off the bat! Hmmm. who do you think they look better on?Matthew and Kaleb have a special bond! They both couldn't wait to see each other, and spent a lot of time together....It was Elise's birthday right smack in the middle of the reunion. I helped Lori make an ice cream cake that was easy, and awesome! Pictured are Amber and Soren and Jake kids. You can always tell Jake and Olivia's girls, cause they have the toehead braids and very cute!

Matthew decided he wanted candles on his own cake as well! Okay, before we move on...the ice cream cake.......

Layers of ice cream sandwiches, cool whip, hotfudge, butterscotch, chopped up candies or nuts, sandwiches, cool whip, etc...end with the candies and stuff on top so it looks pretty....cover and freeze. You have cookie layers, icecream, whipped cream, syrups, etc...and it is soo easy! and yum!

So, on the second day was the much anticipated event of the horse rides. Uncle Al's grandson, wife and baby came up to assist us in the rides. This is Jessica and Clancy! isn't that the cutest thing??? Isn't she the cutest little cowgirl? well, her husband, Brian fits her perfectly....long wranglered legs, total cute cowboy, rugged Moses facial structure.... The only problem....I didn't seem to get any photo's of him facing us! Dang!

We heard there would be a flag ceremony with the horses after breakfast, so we were all at the fence waiting and watching. Everyone got a little excited when they asked for volunteers....especially with those who have horse experience. Even though Elijah hasn't been on a horse in about 6 years, he was chosen..,.much to his glee!Doris and one of her granddaughters of course were out there....It was awesome because her granddaughter was riding along and all of a sudden she yells out.....'We are cowgirls!' I loved it!Brian gets all the riders comfortable with their horses, lines them up and escorts them out of the yard. Soon he comes back with the flag and makes a few loops around...It was awesome! He comes up to attention I guess and the others come and line up with him.

He jumps off and places the flag on the stand. Heather, who has a beautiful voice, sings the National anthem. I had to listen from a distance...because much to my horror, while everyone was being reverent, Kas was about to go down the zipline! I ran over as reverently as I could until she saw me and with my jestures, and eye stabs, got her off the seat! You see, you can't quitely go down that ride! It is just not possible...so I knew she would be screaming her way down! I asked her how she could have not noticed how EVERYONE else was over somewhere else being quiet and still! grrr....After the flag ceremony, we were able to have rides in the fenced area. I know there is a name for that spot but it is late, and I can't think of it right now....sorry.

Grandpa and Elise....Kas and Jessica (the real cowgirl)...Kas would be if given the opportunity I am afraid!

Kas proved herself and was able to ride alone!ElijahWaiting and watching. See Doris perched on that fence soo comfortable. Her life has changed soo much this year! Very exciting to see! Jake and Brian the cowboy...almost a front shot.

Later we went on a trail ride. My group was Elijah, Kaleb, Glenn, Jake, me and Brian as our guide. It was fun...and beautiful!

this is the horse I rode. I do not remember her name, but don't you wish you had a heart birthmark on your hiney?Mom actually looked like she knew what she was doing on a horse. We were impressed!Judd, Sherrie and the boys....behind...sorry not a better view of those cutie!This old church is just outside the property line of the ranch. We walked to it one afternoon. I don't think it is still in use, but you can have a wedding performed in there. I love this shot. When we were getting ready for dinner on the night of the talent show, it started sprinkling. so we moved everything into the barn. It was awesome. The balcony for the kids.See Matthew right beside Kaleb?In our family Glenn and his girls sang...... And Matt sang with his girls....Matthew danced.Leland sang a song and told a story. Doris dejayed and also shared some family history with Betty. I am not sure why I don't have a photo of Betty.....Nolan also shared a story. Nolan is the oldest of the 11 children. Mark is the baby. He sang a beautiful song at the talent show. There were many performers. Alot of talent in our family.

Al is in the background making breakfast. Oh how I like to see a man cook for a crowd! He was chopping up leftover potatoes from the night before. I said they were rancher potatoes. Brett was also cooking them and insisted they were farmer potatoes! hehe. (he was raised on a farm) I imagine farmers and ranchers eat pretty much the same!Judd and ElijahThe liar's circle. Dad with Brookie, Leland, Nolan and Gary.Lori doing a craft with the little girls. One the last day we had our typical auction. I got a golf club duck to go with my other one. Some of Nolan's family. Murial came the last day. It was great seeing her. Sharon also came the last day but I didn't get a photo of her either.

there is always guitar playing somewhere at the reunion. Glenn and Jeremy were the main ones this year. Elijah was always looking and learning. We had a great time. It seemed like the time flew. There was soo much to do, so many people to see. I am glad we can make it to some of the reunions. Family is so important. And we never know when they will be moving on. I have learned about missed opportunities this last year. I want my kids to know of their heritage. I have close to 100 cousins on this side of the family and I really probably don't even know half of them....but I am getting to know more and more each year as more people come. I used to think it wasn't that important. But I think it is.

I just wished J would have been able to attend. He would have loved it. We had 2 reunions, and over 2 weeks required away from home and he couldn't take that much time off....Maybe next year!