Elwood Reunion at Trout Creek Guard Station

We had a super fun couple of days (it wasn't even a full 48 hours - too short, but better than nothing, for sure!) with the Elwood Fam at our annual reunion.  We stayed at a former ranger station turned rental cabin in the high country of the Ashley National Forest above Vernal, Utah.  It was pretty amazing that after driving for hours from two different directions, we all happened to pull into the driveway at exactly the same time!  I didn't take photos of the inside of the cabin, but you can see some here and learn more about it.  (You could even rent it yourself!)

We spent most of our time outside anyway . . . on the porch or just next to it in the shade or on the hammock in the trees or around the fire pit.  We had excellent weather - cool enough for a sweatshirt in the morning and a warm sleeping bag at night, but lovely and warm in the afternoons.

First things first, a family selfie - we all fit!
Our family is growing and it sure is fun!

Lots of time for games.

And lots of time for antics from this smiley one.

She's definitely got a mischievous streak in her.

We used Dutch ovens for every meal, it seems like: Dutch oven ribs and potatoes the first night; Dutch oven enchiladas the second.  And for breakfasts we had sausage gravy over fresh baked biscuits one day and the next we had our traditional "Memorial Day Breakfast" of eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns and pancakes (made with Red Rose Pancake flour - the only way I actually love pancakes).  We ate well and it was delish!

Checkin' on the ribs.

The fire pit was a great gathering place in the evenings - we roasted marshmallows, cooked and ate peach cobbler, sang songs and laughed at each others' singing abilities (or lack thereof).

Heather and the newest member of our clan, Terrell - though it
won't be officially official till the wedding on August 29th.
So happy for them!

Mugsly

Ky

Shelly (and babe to be born in November!)

Nate and Meg and Mom

Dad and Ky and Gregg

Kim and Gregg (Cal not pictured because she was supposed
to be sleeping in the tent at this point,
but likely was not - she didn't do much of that, really.)

While sitting around the fire we got to enjoy the lovely sunsets.  I sure have missed these famous Utah sunsets lately, so I made sure to get some (read: too many) photos of the spectacular show.

On the docket for day 2 was family pictures before Nate and Shelly left (Nate had to get back for school that evening), a drive around the area (where we saw the mama and baby moose), a visit to a nearby reservoir where we ate lunch and skipped rocks (and didn't take a single picture), and lots more relaxing, reading, and game-playing. Top it all off with more sunset and campfire time and it was a pretty great day.

Good morning, Grandpa!

Second breakfast.
(First was applesauce and cottage cheese.)

The Elwood Five, as we've been called before.
I really do have the best siblings ever.

Mama Moose with baby mooselet.

Storytime with Grandma.
(I don't know who loved it more.)

Trout Creek

Lovely flowers (my fave!)

We watched and listened to a storm rumble through, around
and past us without feeling a drop of rain.

Another sunset on the homestead.
(Pictured is the former garage that is currently full of firewood.)

Family and mountains.  And food.  Can't beat a weekend with elements like that.  Let's do it again soon!