Blodgett Reunion 2013

In the middle of July we drove to Hamilton, Montana for our Blodgett reunion with all of my dad's siblings and their families. I love Hamilton. In a lot of ways it feels like home. There is a lot of our families history in that little town. It is always so fun for me to see my cousins and aunts and uncles. I think there were 190 of us there at the same hotel for 2 nights. 

The night we got there we all got together for games, races, and awards.

 The races are a big deal. My family gets pretty competitive. Everyone got a prize, but the top winner got a big prize. Thomas did pretty average in his group of 6-8 year olds.

 Emma lost interest early on in her age division!

My dad took first place in the 60-70

Not sure who won in this one, but out of the 8 racers, 4 are my brothers so it was fun to watch. (The three on the right of the picture and Paul is in the maroon shirt.) Nolan would have been in this one but was still having issues with his hyrneated disc in his back.

The next morning, we hiked Blodgett canyon which is tradition. It's a perfect length and pitch of hike. Semi challenging with kids but not exhausting.

 Thomas and Judy Gail are 6 months apart, and they were buds this trip. And during this hike I would have to send Nolan chasing after them because they were BOOKING it up the mountain.

Grace on the other hand has to be bribed every ten steps to keep hiking. Luckily on the way down we met up with my cousin Jessica and her family. Her little girl and Eliza took it nice and slow together.

Some of The Dave Blodgett Grandkids

All of the hikers!

I was pretty proud to be 18 week pregnant here and make it to the top carrying Emma 1/2 the time.

After our hike we went to Blodgett cemetery. I truly love this place... it's gorgeous and so peaceful. I wish it were closer because it really brings such a special spirit to me. I love my mom and know my kids could feel her love for us too. Here is all my family, minus Aunt Kara who couldn't make it.

That night we had a talent show.

 My sisters put together a little Andrew Sisters medley and we sang it with a few of my nieces. It went well for just an hour of rehersal.

Then in true Blodgett fashion we broke out the root beer floats, and had a dance party. Thomas showed off his robot skills.

And let me swing him around for a bit. While Nolan and Emma took center stage.

Then these three ran around the rest of the night. We loved having Judy Gail as an adopted daugther for the weekend. One night she told me, "Grace just absolutely adores me!" And when Ben asked once if she could ride with us Grace responded, "Her can come with us; her always does."

Sunday we had a nice testimony meeting and then drove to Ben and Kara's beautiful home on the Gallatin River in Montana. Nolan had to be back for work, but we stayed there for 3 days and had a great continuation of the reunion. I love my family and am so glad we all want to be with each other for as long as we can.