Surprise for Grandpa Packer

Grandpa Packer turned 70 this year and we celebrated with a surprise party! My mom worked hard to put it together and a lot of people came to see him. Trent fought a tough battle last year with esophageal cancer - a cancer that is pretty hard to beat. He underwent two major surgeries that removed parts of his esophagus and stomach. He couldn't eat food for a very long time. We were all so grateful to learn that the second surgery was successful in removing all of the cancer, though. He didn't even need chemotherapy, which was a huge blessing. So the party was a superhero party because Trent is a superhero to all of us who love him.

Canada Reunion

July was a really busy month for us. After our Jenks reunion and Barry's hike we set off on a long trip to Canada for a reunion with the Gardners. We had a lot of fun riding up with Shari and her boys as well as Jeni and Mackayla. We stayed at Joe and Melissa's house in Pasco as a halfway point and then our final destination was Oliver, BC.

On the way we stopped at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. They had  a lot of neat displays.

Loading a miniature wagon.

Cooling off under a wagon.

Panning for gold.

All of us: Heather, Barry, Warren, Quinton, Clara, Mackayla, Connor, Triston, Shari, Jeni.

When we got to the motel for the reunion, Warren got right down to business eating some Oreos. He quickly discovered he liked the cream in the middle the best.

All of the Packer grandkids ready for church on Sunday. We attended the small branch in Osoyoos. The members there were so excited to have such a large family visit!

The girls had a princess scavenger hunt.

And the boys were pirates.

There was also an Easter egg hunt, just for fun!

And of course we had to get some family pictures in.

This reunion was a little bittersweet. My Grandpa Gardner was diagnosed with lung cancer and we knew this would probably be our last time to see him. I'm glad I could get a picture with my grandparents.

Sheryl's family.

All of the Gardner grandkids.

The last day we were there we spent a few hours playing on the beach of Lake Osoyoos. The kids had a blast swimming and playing in the sand. It only took the kids a few minutes to fall asleep after we left to cross the border.

Trying on Grandpa's hat.

On the way home we stopped at a beautiful canyon in Washington near the border. Warren was not interested in waiting for a picture.

Jenks Brothers Hike - Seven Devils

Barry went on a hike with his brothers this summer to Seven Devils near Riggins, Idaho. They spent four days hiking and fishing and doing all sorts of manly things.

Michael, Jared, Barry, Charles

Jenks Reunion

We had a great time with Barry's family at our reunion this year. We went camping at the usual spot at Father and Sons Campground near Oakley. We enjoyed wonderful company, tasty food, fishing, treasure hunts, and more. It was hard to keep track of Quinton and Clara because they were always off exploring with their cousins.

Watching the softball game.

Painting

Barry helping Quinton and Sidra play water balloon volleyball.

Warren had fun in the dirt with his cousin Cora.

There aren't enough baby wipes in the world to keep up with dirt while camping.

Around the campfire

I love this picture of Carolyn with her kids Clayton and Cora. Camping is exhausting!

After camping, we went to Oakley to enjoy the Pioneer Day festivities. I ran the Goose Creek Run-off and Quinton and Clara also ran the mile race. They did an awesome job. After watching the fireworks that night we headed home so Barry could get ready for his hiking trip with his brothers.