We did the first ever Clark Family Reunion. Mom and our family took charge this go around. However, Mom is the oldest of six kids, so there are plenty of people to take charge for the next few years - and by the end of the weekend, it sounded like some plans were already being discussed. It was held up in Cache Valley - Wellsville, Smithfield, and Clarkston. It truly was a good time and it was just so good to get together. Our first trip in the journey was the Jensen Historical Farm where everyone met up. It was a nice little trip through history. Now, although the whole gang was there, we did separate and kind of did our own things, and a lot of people stuck with their own family, including myself. I spent pretty much the whole time with Aimee and kids (sit I drove up with them) and Brian, Hollie and kids. It's not that we were trying to be antisocial, but truly it wasn't realistic for the whole family to do the tours all together. And, I must brag, whether it was completely intentional or not, we were complimented by the staff there for being the best organized group they had ever worked with. Our group figured out to just send in a spokesman for each individual family and had our name tags and knew who we were looking for. I say not necessarily intentional because we didn't talk specifically to anyone about going in in small groups and having a spokesman, but we are pretty smart people.
Brooklyn checking out the gathering group.
And maybe being just a little bit confused by everyone showing up. 
Gathering on the outside lawn.
And then the other end of the same scene.
How can you not help but love this face?!
Starting the tour with Briley and Logan. I think these two could be very best friends if they lived a little closer to each other. They get along so good together!
I am still trying to figure out how on earth people rode these things!
Another fun thing to climb on. They are both very good at "CHEEEEESE" until the picture is taken.
Aimee helping Briley and Logan panning for gold.
We found a little caterpillar and had to take advantage. Logan was right there willing to touch, but it took a little bit of convincing for Briley to step up. They've kind of reversed roles a little bit there - it used to be the other way around.
Listening to the guide telling us about the little house (Briley, Brian, Aimee, Logan and a little bit of Brooklyn). I don't know that Brian could actually stand up in here, but he was a trooper as we dragged him around.
Getting a little bit of water while resting on the bed.
A really quick way to cool down. Run through the sprinklers!
Still trying to cool down - I just love how Briley is leaning into her Daddy!
Checking out the ponies and waiting for Grandma. Logan explained to Briley as we were walking over "I can ride horses and donkeys, but we are going to ride a pony." I don't know if he was trying to convince Briley, but he was definitely the authority - whether or not that's true.
He didn't really seem as sure once he was up on the pony. But he put on the helmet and didn't back down or freak out.
Briley kept the smile on her face, but it didn't always look like she was having the time of her life.
Zach was a pro on the horse.
And then cooling off again. It was a hot day! This time Hollie and I joined in the fun and recruited Isaac to come with us.
What can I say? It was a fun time. I kind of miss running through the sprinklers on a hot summer day.
The final shot. These were our 2006 babies - Logan was born in February, then Isaac in May, and Briley in July.
He was working so hard to blow this, but it never really did happen.
The petting zoo. It really wasn't his favorite part of the day. I can't say that I blame him!
Sharing the swing. The tire swings were a good idea, but they were so hot from being in the sun no one could actually swing on them.
Learning about making nails.
There were so many animals and so many things going on, and yet this was the spot we lost everyone. We could have left AJ there with the puppies and life would have been fabulous for her. It just about broke her heart to walk away.
Briley, Will, and AJ. Again, Briley had a hard time convincing herself she was really okay with these little animals.
Sadie loved the puppies, maybe just a little too much. Every time she went to hold it she'd do a choke hold around the neck. I know I am absolutely horrible for this, but I thought that was one of the funniest parts of the whole thing.
So Hollie took charge holding the puppy and letting Sadie pet. It was much safer that way.
Brian learning how he could possibly doing his laundry for the next two years. (He'll be leaving soon for his mission in Kenya.)
Logan was a little bit safer with the puppies. He was very gentle with them.
Jen and Brooklyn. Yes, that's a wheelchair Jen is sitting in. She was on crutches after having her foot operated on.
Doesn't he look happy? He's a bit of a chunk, but Ryder was so sweet all day.
Maya was into it all - doesn't it look that way?
They found the cat. Briley and Logan took a couple of turns sitting on Jen's lap and getting a ride.
Anyone else see a problem here? Although, every now and then it would be really nice to be able to sit in the stroller and be pushed around, I just don't know that Maya had the strength to push her Mom (or anyone). She's one of our petite girls.
And the ones who started it all - Grandma and Grandpa Clark. (We decided with the walking and wandering and rough terrain, it would be best to do wheelchairs at the farm. I think it worked out for the best.)
I hope a good time was had by all and thank you for everyone coming up and making the weekend a success!
Brooklyn checking out the gathering group.
And maybe being just a little bit confused by everyone showing up. 
Gathering on the outside lawn.
And then the other end of the same scene.
How can you not help but love this face?!
Starting the tour with Briley and Logan. I think these two could be very best friends if they lived a little closer to each other. They get along so good together!
I am still trying to figure out how on earth people rode these things!
Another fun thing to climb on. They are both very good at "CHEEEEESE" until the picture is taken.
Aimee helping Briley and Logan panning for gold.
We found a little caterpillar and had to take advantage. Logan was right there willing to touch, but it took a little bit of convincing for Briley to step up. They've kind of reversed roles a little bit there - it used to be the other way around.
Listening to the guide telling us about the little house (Briley, Brian, Aimee, Logan and a little bit of Brooklyn). I don't know that Brian could actually stand up in here, but he was a trooper as we dragged him around.
Getting a little bit of water while resting on the bed.
A really quick way to cool down. Run through the sprinklers!
Still trying to cool down - I just love how Briley is leaning into her Daddy!
Checking out the ponies and waiting for Grandma. Logan explained to Briley as we were walking over "I can ride horses and donkeys, but we are going to ride a pony." I don't know if he was trying to convince Briley, but he was definitely the authority - whether or not that's true.
He didn't really seem as sure once he was up on the pony. But he put on the helmet and didn't back down or freak out.
Briley kept the smile on her face, but it didn't always look like she was having the time of her life.
Zach was a pro on the horse.
And then cooling off again. It was a hot day! This time Hollie and I joined in the fun and recruited Isaac to come with us.
What can I say? It was a fun time. I kind of miss running through the sprinklers on a hot summer day.
The final shot. These were our 2006 babies - Logan was born in February, then Isaac in May, and Briley in July.
He was working so hard to blow this, but it never really did happen.
The petting zoo. It really wasn't his favorite part of the day. I can't say that I blame him!
Sharing the swing. The tire swings were a good idea, but they were so hot from being in the sun no one could actually swing on them.
Learning about making nails.
There were so many animals and so many things going on, and yet this was the spot we lost everyone. We could have left AJ there with the puppies and life would have been fabulous for her. It just about broke her heart to walk away.
Briley, Will, and AJ. Again, Briley had a hard time convincing herself she was really okay with these little animals.
Sadie loved the puppies, maybe just a little too much. Every time she went to hold it she'd do a choke hold around the neck. I know I am absolutely horrible for this, but I thought that was one of the funniest parts of the whole thing.
So Hollie took charge holding the puppy and letting Sadie pet. It was much safer that way.
Brian learning how he could possibly doing his laundry for the next two years. (He'll be leaving soon for his mission in Kenya.)
Logan was a little bit safer with the puppies. He was very gentle with them.
Jen and Brooklyn. Yes, that's a wheelchair Jen is sitting in. She was on crutches after having her foot operated on.
Doesn't he look happy? He's a bit of a chunk, but Ryder was so sweet all day.
Maya was into it all - doesn't it look that way?
They found the cat. Briley and Logan took a couple of turns sitting on Jen's lap and getting a ride.
Anyone else see a problem here? Although, every now and then it would be really nice to be able to sit in the stroller and be pushed around, I just don't know that Maya had the strength to push her Mom (or anyone). She's one of our petite girls.
And the ones who started it all - Grandma and Grandpa Clark. (We decided with the walking and wandering and rough terrain, it would be best to do wheelchairs at the farm. I think it worked out for the best.)After the historical farm, people had a few minutes to check into their hotels before heading to Mom and Dad's church house for the evenings' festivities, which started with a catered Dutch oven dinner followed by a talent show.
He was enjoying the night. He kind of has an Elvis smile a lot of the time, but we got a few full out smiles from Ryder tonight.
He was enjoying the night. He kind of has an Elvis smile a lot of the time, but we got a few full out smiles from Ryder tonight.Now, here's the sad part, with everyone there and all of the cameras there, not one person in our family thought to have someone pick up one of our cameras to take a picture when we did our thing. So, I promise that we did get up and performed, but I have no proof of it.
Max represented for the Painter clan with some of the comic stylings of Brian Regan. He needed some support from his mom.
In the end, he was able to do it. It always help to have Mom (April) by your side. Brandon was ready to step up for his MC duties.
Faye then read a few poems from her girls who were not able to attend.
Brian introducing the next group - Gary and his crew.
Regan demonstrated her jump roping skills with her mom, Kari, and aunt, Kimi, doing the turning duties.
Then Gary took over the microphone - which was fabulous. (We really do look like a healthy bunch don't we with casts and wheelchairs.) Stetson is kind of hiding in the background.
The unplanned duet was really quite cool.
Max represented for the Painter clan with some of the comic stylings of Brian Regan. He needed some support from his mom.
In the end, he was able to do it. It always help to have Mom (April) by your side. Brandon was ready to step up for his MC duties.
Faye then read a few poems from her girls who were not able to attend.
Brian introducing the next group - Gary and his crew.
Regan demonstrated her jump roping skills with her mom, Kari, and aunt, Kimi, doing the turning duties.
Then Gary took over the microphone - which was fabulous. (We really do look like a healthy bunch don't we with casts and wheelchairs.) Stetson is kind of hiding in the background.
The unplanned duet was really quite cool.The only request from Grandma and Grandpa was for the grandkids to do the chicken dance (okay, I still call it the duck dance since that's how I learned it in Germany). We figured if they were going to request it, we could follow through with it. (Again I didn't think to have someone take a picture, so I swiped these off of Jessica's and Lauren's blogs.)
So, here are almost all of the grandkids and great-grandkids.
And a little bit of a closer look.
The Gunderson grandkids doing some of their songs (I apologize ahead of time if I misspell any names) - Hannah, Abby, Grace, Daxton, Mackayla, Jacob, and Brooklyn.
The Laursen girls reciting their poem - which they were taught many years ago from Grandma Clark.
So my pictures got a little bit out of order here - I had to laugh when Briley decided she wanted to join in the singing and dancing. She was a little bit upset when her Daddy took her off the stage.
Their routine was quite humorous. One of the funniest parts (again, apparently I am just a little bit mean) was as Mike kept getting hit with the pies, his twins, Jack and Annie, just could not handle seeing their uncles being mean to their dad and they absolutely broke down. I know it shouldn't be funny to me, but it really was kind of sweet.
The final result after the five techniques were demonstrated. That would be Mike covered with shaving cream and Adam and Dell were the ones responsible for that. Christopher was their narrator while Paul was in charge of reloading the pies and the clean up.
Hannah absolutely loved Ryder! (I can't say that I blamed her.)
We ended the night with a little bit of a tribute. Jen and Angie have both battled breast cancer. Jen celebrated four years remission in May and Angie had just received her clean bill of hill following her chemotherapy and radiation shortly before our reunion. It was defintely a reason for celebration.
Getting some family pictures. The birth order (although they didn't stand in that order) is Jean (Mom), Faye, Beth, Gary, Janell, and Scott.
And then we added the spouses. We did actually have a camera with a timer and a tripod so we did get a picture with everyone, but I don't have that picture yet.
So, here are almost all of the grandkids and great-grandkids.
And a little bit of a closer look.
The Gunderson grandkids doing some of their songs (I apologize ahead of time if I misspell any names) - Hannah, Abby, Grace, Daxton, Mackayla, Jacob, and Brooklyn.
The Laursen girls reciting their poem - which they were taught many years ago from Grandma Clark.
So my pictures got a little bit out of order here - I had to laugh when Briley decided she wanted to join in the singing and dancing. She was a little bit upset when her Daddy took her off the stage.I should add, so I don't short-change anyone, the Scott Clark family did a great slideshow to update us on their family's activities, but it didn't quite seem right to be taking pictures of the pictures.
The Laursen boys ended the evening by teaching us the fine art of pie fighting.
Their routine was quite humorous. One of the funniest parts (again, apparently I am just a little bit mean) was as Mike kept getting hit with the pies, his twins, Jack and Annie, just could not handle seeing their uncles being mean to their dad and they absolutely broke down. I know it shouldn't be funny to me, but it really was kind of sweet.
The final result after the five techniques were demonstrated. That would be Mike covered with shaving cream and Adam and Dell were the ones responsible for that. Christopher was their narrator while Paul was in charge of reloading the pies and the clean up.It was just a very fun night, and so much fun to see these different sides of some of the family members we don't always get to hang out with.
Hannah absolutely loved Ryder! (I can't say that I blamed her.)
We ended the night with a little bit of a tribute. Jen and Angie have both battled breast cancer. Jen celebrated four years remission in May and Angie had just received her clean bill of hill following her chemotherapy and radiation shortly before our reunion. It was defintely a reason for celebration.
Getting some family pictures. The birth order (although they didn't stand in that order) is Jean (Mom), Faye, Beth, Gary, Janell, and Scott.
And then we added the spouses. We did actually have a camera with a timer and a tripod so we did get a picture with everyone, but I don't have that picture yet.The next morning we returned to the church house where we put our family to work cooking breakfast. (Okay I was in charge of running back and forth to the house to get the things people had forgotten, but I did try to start cooking in between runs.)
Brian getting the juice ready while Brandon manned the pancakes.
Russ was taking on eggs and Dad did some fruit, at least at this point in time.
Briley took advantage of being the only little one and gave us a concert while we were getting breakfast ready. She was onstage and had the microphone. We could hear her in the kitchen. Life was good.
Getting up close and personal for a song.
And getting ready to do her melting snowman/curtsey.
Grandma giving us a morning devotional.
Brooklyn enjoying her first pancake. The doctors were worried because she is so tiny and isn't really gaining weight, but at the same time she eats with gusto. Nothing comes between her and her food. She's just petite.
Following breakfast it was out to the Clarkston Cemetary for the scavenger hunt Aimee and I had created. The saddest part of this all was that people had finished it by the time we got out there because we had to run to the store and do a few other housekeeping things in between, but there were members of our family who had never been out there and never seen some of our history out there, but it was good for everyone to see some of our heritage.
Checking out the display, where you can definitely see a family resemblance with our family.
Looking for the answers.
Hollie, Ryder, Brian, and Briley showing up. I just loved her little cowboy hat.
Following the trip to the cemetary, we went out to the pavillion for a lunch, crafts, and sports.
Getting set up.
The jumper. Initially we weren't so sure this was a great idea as the first three kids were in tears. But, the same three kids got right back in. Owen and Logan had a great time.
And Briley had to join in . Ever the fastidious, rule-follower, Logan had to make sure that the entry was sealed.
One of the crafts was making flower hair clips. Aimee went home with a whole new accessory wardrobe for Brooklyn, now if Brandon will just let them stay in the little bit of hair that she has. Doesn't she look cute with the flower in her hair?
The big hit of the day was the tye die t-shirts. It was actually a spray dye so it was so much cleaner than the traditional way of doing it. Staci and Isaac checked out some of the handiwork.
A little bit of Daddy-daughter bonding, Brandon and Brooklyn taking a little afternoon nap.
Grandpa sharing a little of his family story. Brooklyn was a big hit with Gary. (He's also pretty excited because he has another little granddaughter on the way.)
Brian getting the juice ready while Brandon manned the pancakes.
Russ was taking on eggs and Dad did some fruit, at least at this point in time.
Briley took advantage of being the only little one and gave us a concert while we were getting breakfast ready. She was onstage and had the microphone. We could hear her in the kitchen. Life was good.
Getting up close and personal for a song.
And getting ready to do her melting snowman/curtsey.
Grandma giving us a morning devotional.
Brooklyn enjoying her first pancake. The doctors were worried because she is so tiny and isn't really gaining weight, but at the same time she eats with gusto. Nothing comes between her and her food. She's just petite. Following breakfast it was out to the Clarkston Cemetary for the scavenger hunt Aimee and I had created. The saddest part of this all was that people had finished it by the time we got out there because we had to run to the store and do a few other housekeeping things in between, but there were members of our family who had never been out there and never seen some of our history out there, but it was good for everyone to see some of our heritage.
Checking out the display, where you can definitely see a family resemblance with our family.
Looking for the answers.
Hollie, Ryder, Brian, and Briley showing up. I just loved her little cowboy hat. Following the trip to the cemetary, we went out to the pavillion for a lunch, crafts, and sports.
Getting set up.
The jumper. Initially we weren't so sure this was a great idea as the first three kids were in tears. But, the same three kids got right back in. Owen and Logan had a great time.
And Briley had to join in . Ever the fastidious, rule-follower, Logan had to make sure that the entry was sealed.
One of the crafts was making flower hair clips. Aimee went home with a whole new accessory wardrobe for Brooklyn, now if Brandon will just let them stay in the little bit of hair that she has. Doesn't she look cute with the flower in her hair?
The big hit of the day was the tye die t-shirts. It was actually a spray dye so it was so much cleaner than the traditional way of doing it. Staci and Isaac checked out some of the handiwork.
A little bit of Daddy-daughter bonding, Brandon and Brooklyn taking a little afternoon nap.
Grandpa sharing a little of his family story. Brooklyn was a big hit with Gary. (He's also pretty excited because he has another little granddaughter on the way.)Then the little great-grandkids took a swing at the pinata (I am going to be lazy and not lable all of the hitters, so enjoy the pictures).
