Van Bloem Family Reunion 2012

Brendan's family has a reunion on his mom's side every 2 years.  This year it was a 4 day event, July 12th-15th, in Utah.  Thursday night we started out with a big outdoor movie at our house.  There were great snacks and good laughs.  Then Friday morning we had a big breakfast at Deer Creek.  There was boating and relaxing until the huge storm came in.  Saturday we went up American Fork Canyon to Mutual Dell Lodge.  Brendan planned the Family Olympics, which was also hindered a little with the rain, but a lot of fun.  In the evening we had a fun talent show.  On Sunday everyone went to hear the Tabernacle choir together in the morning.  Later in the evening we had a big family dinner at Brendan's aunt's house.  It was a fun filled weekend with family!

Deer Creek

Hazel went out on the sailboat with Brendan, his aunt, and his uncle.  While they were out, a huge storm came in.  I was up in the pavilion, and the wind was blowing everything away.  My stroller was even knocked over and rolling.  They were the strongest winds I've been in and also a lot of downpour.  I guess Brendan's aunt was holding Hazel and calming her down on the boat and they were able to get to shore, but their sail ripped through.  Some people saw them out on the water and were concerned so when Brendan got to shore they drove them in their car back to our pavilion.  Ever since this experience Hazel is traumatized by the wind.  When the wind even starts to pick up a little she starts screaming to get in the house or car.   

Safe and sound with Dad on shore

Brendan ordered this megaphone for the reunion, and we'll just say he really enjoyed using it.

 Hazel and Grandma Harper

Mutual Dell Lodge

Paul, Brendan, and Jefferson on the tight rope.

 Just one of the fun events Brendan planned for the Olympics.  For this event three people from each team had to pick a weapon and try to knock Brendan off without being knocked off first.  (Brendan made all of the very cool weapons.)

Hazel playing inside with the cousins

The many poses on the zip line at Mutual Dell.  Brendan's grandpa is 90 years old and he went on it.  Yea for Blaine!  Can you spot him?

 Cousins Kyler & Blake

Grandpa and Grandma Harper

Brendan presenting the trophies at the closing ceremonies.  You can't see them that well, but in the back he raised a flag for each country, USA, Japan, and Canada (there are families living in each of those countries.) 

 A little dance party for the kids.

Brendan, his mom, and uncle Randy (with a wig) playing and singing the Pinball Wizard, while the wizard (Brendan's dad) dances in the back.  It was pretty funny.

It was a great reunion with a lot of planning done by Brendan's mom, uncle, and aunt, but without all of Brendan's hard work we would have just eaten food and talked.  If anyone knows Brendan you wouldn't be surprised to know he went all out on fun.