OXFEST 08

There are a few things I want to add to my blog, but tonight it's about OXFEST 08 - my family's reunion in Moab over Labor Day weekend. My parents rented 5 condos in Moab, all part of Moab Springs Ranch. It was a gorgeous location and we had a blast! We only wished it could have lasted longer. My 2 sweet grandmas (G'ma O turns 94 in November, G'ma B just turned 88), my dearest Auntie Kathy, my parents, my 7 siblings and their families all came (minus 2 nephews). There were 37 people!

John & Jake on Porcupine Rim Trail

Saturday morning began with a delicious pumpkin pancake breakfast (our food assignment). John & Jake did a serious bike ride. Jyson went with all the young cousins rafting down the river (thanks Uncles Aaron, Eric O, Eric M, Matt, & Chris for taking him). McKelle and my 2 nieces, Morgan and MacKenzi, (all 3 are 17!) did some sleeping and shopping. I hung out with my mum and sisters.

MacKenzi, Morgan, & McKelle

Sunday, we went to church in a Moab ward. In the afternoon, a big group hiked to Delicate Arch. It was warm and humid when we started the hike. There were a few sprinkles as we hiked. Delicate Arch was beautiful. The rain started coming down harder. The wind picked up. We were freezing, so we didn't spend much time at the arch . We started the hike back and of course, the rain stopped. It was perfect weather on the return hike.

Sunday night we gathered as a family. My brother Paul & his wife Anastasia had just returned from 2 years in Benin, Africa with the Peace Corps. They had an amazing slide show about their experiences, travels, and projects. There were a lot of people that benefited from their service. After their presentation, my niece Maya (on the keyboard) & my brother Eric (on the guitar) did a musical number. My brother Marc and his wife Mitzi also sang a song a capella. I loved it all.

Jyson - ready to ride! (Can you tell his dad is over-protective?!)

Monday morning, John took Jyson on his first "real" mountain bike ride while we packed up. It was sad to say goodbye to everyone. We all decided we want this to become an annual event.

You're looking at our 2008 Christmas card photo!

(Note: the matching shirts (OXFEST 08) were created by my brother Marc.)

Lloyd Family Reunion

Have you ever heard of Hagerman, Idaho? Neither had I, but it turns out to be a pretty good spot for a family reunion. Actually we were just outside of the town at the 1000 Springs Resort (although resort might be a stretch). The area was beautiful and the company was even better. It was a reunion for John's immediate family. Sadly, because of his new job, Johnny was not able to attend, but the kids and I went. Larry, John's brother, had rented big rafts and we rafted the Snake River - very cool. They had also rented two wave-runners. I had never been on one before and I loved it! I took Jyson on it several times and we had a blast. He and his cousins stayed by the dock waiting for any willing driver to give them a ride. Jake and McKelle and cousins took turns trying to "buck" each other off. We all had a great time. Thanks Lloyds!

John's New Job

After 22 years with Pleasant Grove, Johnny retired on June 16 and started June 17 with the Lindon Police Department, a brand new police department. They had an official swearing in ceremony to introduce the new officers to the public. Chief Cullimore asked different officers to wear different uniforms to show the public. Of course John got to wear the bike uniform - he does have the best looking legs. After the officers were sworn in, they asked the wives to come up and pin the new badges on. It was a cool experience. Officer Lloyd - you ROCK!

Happy 40 to me!

I can't believe I'm 40 years old; I don't feel a day over 39. I spent 4 hours of my birthday on the road driving back from visiting Mom & Dad in Mesquite. It was great! We did very little and I loved it. Mom and I went to the Tuacahn two nights in a row and saw The Sound of Music and Les Miserables. We quite enjoyed them. I'd highly recommend them. The heat in Mesquite was awful - 104 degrees. Mom said it's like turning a hair dryer on high heat and aiming it at your face - YUCK! Thanks for all the chatting and hospitality Mum and Dad. You're the BEST!

When I got back from Mesquite, John took me to dinner at the Olive Garden. I get the same thing every time we go - Ravioli di Portebello. Yum. We'll do some more b-day celebrating with John's family at a 4th of July BBQ on Friday and at my house on Saturday night. Fun, fun.

Had to give in at some point

I've decided to give in and join the blogging world. When I told John about it, he said, "They're just for the people that write them." That could be true, but since I haven't written in my journal for quite a long time, this could be the next best thing.