Stokes Family Reunion 2009

As I sit at my computer this afternoon, I am reflecting back on the wonderful weekend that I had with my family. My family, with the exception of my sister Amberly and her family and Jeron and his family, went to New Meadows, Idaho. Amberly and Jeron and their families where greatly missed. It never seems complete without everyone in attendance. As I think about their absence, it reminds me of just how important it is for ALL of our family to be together forever. I don't want to have any of my family missing. Some of the happiest moments of my life have been when all my family is together. We enjoy each other so much! It is what our Heavenly Father designed families for. My Aunt Donna Jemmett and her family have a cabin right out of New Meadows. It is beautifully surrounded by pine trees. The sound of the water in the Salmon River running over the rocks was the perfect backdrop for a wonderful vacation. It is usually very warm in this area this time of year. However, we went during a cold front. When we arrived Friday evening it was raining. But Saturday was about 75 degrees and sunny. We couldn't have ordered better weather. Saturday morning Cristle and I went for a walk up a trail on the mountain. As we are walking I couldnt help but think of my Mother. She would have loved this vacation. This place had everything that she loved and cherished: her family, mountains, wildflowers, rocks, berries, the river and trees. I told Cristle, "My Mom would have eatten this place up!" I missed her. But I thought of her walking next to me on that trail. It made me happy. Saturday we all played all day long. There where so many things to do. Everyone had something to do all the time. We rode four wheelers, shot guns, played lawn darts, visited on the patio, some of us went into Riggins and shopped and got milkshakes. In the evening, after a yummy dinner of barbequed pulled pork sandwiches, beans and watermelon, we went out to the volleyball area. The sun was starting to set. It was beautiful outside. We had a big volleyball game. It started small but just about everyone had joined in by the end. It got very loud and very competitive. Exactly what our family loves to do! At the end of our game we gathered around the fire. Dad told us stories about his mother, Lottie Stokes, life. It was very interesting.
Sunday morning we packed, cleaned the cabin and then had a family meeting. We discussed where we want to go on our family vacation next year. I am already looking forward to it. What a wonderful, wonderful family reunion!!!!