Parkinson Reunion at the Cabin

The Parkinson clan standing in front of the "Heber Creeper".

On August 18th-21st we had the fourth Parkinson reunion with all of Aaron's family.  We spent a few nights up at the Michel cabin up at Strawberry Reservoir.  Overall, we feel like it was a great success.  We were so happy to have those come who were able to.  We know that for a few it was a great sacrifice and we are so grateful.    Where we have all been so spread out for the last 4 years or so, it is a special occasion when we can all get together.  

We all met up at the cabin on Thursday and had a nice, relaxing evening just enjoying being together.  

The next morning,  The guys all got to go golfing together (something that hasn't happened in a VERY long time) and we met up with them for lunch at a park in Heber.  They had a great round of golf.  We had lunch and then went on board the Heber Creeper, the Heber Valley Railroad.  We have never done this before so it was a new experience.  

One thing that I thought was really fun was how they had kept the train just how it would have been.  Sitting in that old train made me think about what it must have been like when trains were one of the only forms of transportation.  There would have been some nice things about it, but I am still glad we have some nicer options now.  

Enjoying cuddling with my boy

I think Heidi was the most excited about the train out of all of our kids.  She was just giddy about the experience.  For weeks after, she has been saying, "I want to ride the train, mom."  She kept sticking her head out the window to get a good view.  She absolutely loved it!

At one spot along the tracks, the train stopped and we were hijacked by some "train robbers" who were trying to find a money box.  (Notice Kyle's face- to the right of the robber, he thought this was so real.)  

They put on a little show for us, and that was fun.  

On Saturday, we enjoyed a nice leisurely morning and then headed down to the lake.  The water was as warm as it ever gets at Strawberry and we took advantage of it.  We found a little spot by the water with some sand and set up a canopy for shade.  Then, Aaron spent hours driving people around on the boat.   The weather was pretty nice for the most part and we stayed out until it got a little windy in the afternoon.

I was surprised with how much Jared loved riding on the boat.  He actually started whining when Aaron drove away on it and he was stuck on shore with me.  He was perfectly happy to sit on the boat!  

This was Heidi's first time riding on the tube and actually more than a few feet away from the boat while out on the wake.   She actually had a lot of fun out there and if you look closely at her little face, she looks like she's just giving it all she's got.  

The kids also had a great time swimming out in the lake and floating around on the tube behind the boat and then just paddling around.  Kyle and Erika had a blast playing with their cousing Kaidynce, who they don't get so see very often.  (Kyle actually started crying when they left.)  

Uncle Ryan and Erika on the tube

The kids had a great time riding on the boat.  

Grandma and Grandpa chillin' at the "beach",
pretty-much the only spot we could find on the lake so we lucked-out.  

The kids showing off the hats they made with grandma

We're thankful for the opportunity we had to spend time with everyone and for the memories we were able to make that weekend.  We look forward to many more.   We love our family and are thankful for the influence they have in our lives.