Pikus Family Reunion

All Grandma wanted for her 70th birthday was a family photo. We thought there would be not better time than at our next family reunion. Rob and Gege were so amazing to offer their cabin near Park City as the retreat. Grandma rented rooms for a majority of the families while Shauna and Kyle along with the Yates decided to stay in trailers on site. We had enough of the Hotel life on our trip to Boston so we thought a little camping sounded like fun. We arrived Thursday night, ate dinner and hung out with those who arrived early. Mom pulled the trailer up so Dad could drive up right after work. The next morning we woke up bright and early to get the best pictures before the strong sunlight hit. Unfortunately we were missing Jayden and Regina but we were prepared with alternatives. Rob and Gege made a large cardboard cutout of Regina's face and we borrowed a full sized cardboard cutout of a missionary that we slapped a picture of Jayden's head on. (The missionary cutout was actually life-sized cut out of Zack Effron that a Book of Mormon was placed in his hands). The pictures turned out great. Then it was time to eat, play games, 4-wheel, and hang out. Grandma planned a "Human Pinata" game where the oldest grandchildren were given shirts with glued on candy and money. The object was for them to run and the kids run after them and grab the prizes from their shirts.  Sounds safe doesn't it? It was only 20 seconds into the game when Makai slipped on some gravel and scuffed up his elbow. We set some new boundaries and they were off. We weren't sure the winner but they all had a great time. We then had the "Olympic Games" set up. The first game was throw a "Javelin" (aka foam noodle) through the PVC pipe hole. The kids got creative and started rolling it into a knot and throwing it like a ball. Next was Frisbee. Most people threw great and were able to hit the target within a few tries. Mom on the other hand with her amazing aim almost took out a few cousins. We took a break from the games while Uncle Rob set up a huge bike landing mat that they made into a slip and slide. Luckily only a few minor injuries on this activity. Grandpa enjoyed hanging out in the shade blowing bubbles for the little ones. We made sure Jayden was very much a part of our reunion and brought him along to each of the activities. We pulled out the colored paper for everyone to write him a letter since his 1 year mark was fast approaching in a couple of weeks.  We played KanJam and Mom and Dad beat Skyler and Hyrum only because Dad got a hole in one at the very last throw. We also borrowed the game 9-square from one of Skyler's friends which was a huge hit. We played it all afternoon. The kids were in and out of the cabin and trailers creating bead art which was a little out of control once the beads all spilled, but it kept the kids entertained for hours. We then had dinner which was catered by Wallaby's. We surprised Grandma with a cake and sang a belated happy birthday to her. Dad and Grandma then planned a family home evening about family history and pioneers which was fitting since the next day was pioneer day. We played until we were exhausted and said our goodbyes until the next morning.

We all got together for breakfast and started all over again. There is never a dull moment at the Pikus retreats. The kids had bubble gun wars, played the unwrapping game (looking for prizes), 4- wheeled and continued the Olympic games. The balloon relay with two people was a hit as we had to maneuver through the 9 square poles. Noelle and Mom were one of the fastest since they figured Noelle could carry mom as they ran. The winner was Noelle and Kaylee tied for first with 27 which didn't surprise us coming from the Olympian and athletic cousin. Aysia took second. Each of the kids won a prize and were happy with the results. Rob mentioned he and his family were going to the Real Soccer game that night since there would be fireworks. He asked if anyone wanted to join him. Of course EVERYONE said yes. Noelle thought it was best for her to take the twins home since they would be exhausted.  So he was able to arrange enough tickets for everyone since he is the main sponsor for the Lion's Club. We were all able to sit together. The cousins had a great time together and Rob was able to get us down for the half-time snacks and meal after the game where we were able to meet a few of the players. Skyler was ecstatic when he saw Nick Ramando arrive. We asked him for a picture and he was sweet to talk to the kids for a bit. It was also a great ending since we beat Colorado Rapids 3-0. After eating dinner we all met up in the middle of the soccer field where we were able to watch the fireworks as a family. It was a great way to end the trip.