Brower Family Reunion- Ama style

Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29th

Wayne's mom, whom we affectionately call, Ama, hosted this years' Brower family reunion.  She really pulled out all of the stops in a grand effort to make this years' reunion something memorable for all.  Her efforts were obvious and when all was said and done, Wayne and I  agreed it was worth the long drive from MA.  There's no doubt about it, Wayne is a happy camper (no pun intended:)) around his family, and I love that about him and about his family.  

The weekend was packed with a stagecoach ride, square dancing, paddle boating, swimming, and rafting (playing at the lake was our kids' favorite activity).

We enjoyed lots of good Ama grub, s'mores, a family video, exploring, Monson's baptism & confirmation, sacrament & testimony mtg., ultimate frisbee, football, kiddie pool, kite flying, bubbles, hammocks... 

...making new cousin friends...

....and picking up where we left off with cherished family friends....

A word on Monson's baptism....  I've never  witnessed a baptism outside of a church.  Monson's was beautiful and he'll be able to know how many of his pioneer heritage felt as many of them were also baptized in nearby bodies of water.  It was especially sweet to see Monson's expression of joy right after he was baptized, and the joy on his father, Curt's face as well.  My sis-in-law, Emily took this sweet photo....

Monson's mom inserted a piece of paper and offered pens so that everyone there for the baptism could leave a note for Monson as a show of support.  Monson will be able to look back at these notes from loved ones and recall his baptism and the loving family that were there for him.  I love this idea.

I'm glad that Uncle Brent got permission to hold sacrament meeting.  It was nice to take the sacrament as a family.  As we began testimony meeting, I felt like surely Gpa and Gma Brower were smiling on their family in that setting...on their daughter, Teresa (Ama) for making such a tremendous effort hosting the reunion, and on each family member who made great sacrifices to be there and give their children and families the opportunity to strengthen family ties.  My family left with happy memories (I call that success), and I left thankful for the family I married into.

There was an acknowledgement that the Brower family reunions will soon be less frequent, and that our families are growing such that we will naturally turn our focus to our "immediate extended family."  For us that would be Ama/Gpa. Kelly, Wayne, his siblings, and all of our children.....getting this group together is challenging enough!  We'll do our best to balance our family time with efforts to bond with extended family.  To the Arnells, Browers, Timms, McLaughlins, Menzies, Kirby's, Andersons, Kochs, and all who didn't make it to the reunion...."God be with you 'till we meet again."

Thanks again, Ama, for everything!

Love, the Beantown Menzies