Family: Isn't It About Time?

It was that time of year again. The second week of August brings forth the Madsen Family Reunion. This year we were lucky enough to have the reunion up in Heber at a church owned sight.

When we got there we headed to the ropes course. We didn't get any pictures of it, but we swung on ropes, balanced on wires, and went on a high swing. The swing was admittedly the best part, and although I was a bit chicken at first to go on it since it looked a little high, I braved my fears and swung. The same cannot be said for everyone in our family.

After the rope swing we went to the campsite where the oldest grandkids talked about grandpa. We all loved this part, as it was a great opportunity to reflect on the man that grandpa was. What amazing people grandma and grandpa madsen are.


Later that day we headed to the lake to do some canoeing and paddle boating. The lady in charge of paddle boats told me no teenagers could ride and dejected I started to walk away. Then I rembembered, I'm 20! There's no teen in that. What a wonderful discovery. In the paddle boat I was joined by Cassidy and Mom. Cassidy was against all three of us getting in the same boat since one of us wouldn't get to paddle. Once realization sunk in of the circumstances surrounding that statement, she was quick to volunteer herself for nonpaddling duties. Lazy, smart bum.

Everyone else in the family was in canoes. We witnessed a race in which Parker tried to row so fast he succeeded in getting his parter, Tanner, thoroughly soaked. Somebody should probably teach him how to row. Until then you've been warned to not get in the canoe with him. After we played some horseshoes and Brandon showed us all why he is the king of horseshoes, destroying all competition.

Look at her just basking in the sun

We had a fun-filled day with all the family and after bidding fond goodbyes we were on our way, squishing four people in the backseat. I volunteered to drive both ways so I successfully avoided that. While driving down the twisty mountain we discovered Brandon and Shelby were in front of us. Being the strange people they are they thought if they stuck their arms out the window, their car would take flight. Sad to say they failed. But we all rewarded them with their efforts by stopping at Granny's for some shakes. Boy was the place little, and packed. A sure sign of.. something I'm sure. We opted to eat outside to avoid the crowds. Mom investigated the house for us and provided a thorough description of the condition of the bathroom. Suffice it to say, I don't believe the workers there are properly trained in cleaning bathrooms.

And one amusing story before I go, to tide you over till the next time someone posts. I came home from Vegas two Sundays ago and was a bit out of it (Shelby can confirm to that). While grabbing a snack I saw a small mound of bubbles forming under the dishwasher. I chose to ignore it. After all, I had nothing to do with it and I was tired, plus I figured the solution would resolve itself. However, on returning for another snack (I was a bit naseous from the bus and airplane ride ok) I discovered the mounds were becoming bigger. This time I dutifully sounded the alarm by telling mom there were bubbles. She didn't believe me at first, but finally came to see for herself. We turned off the dishwasher and decided Tanner must be the culprit. Tanner came upstairs and pointed out what he had put in the dishwasher, which was the liquid dishwashing soap, not dishwasher soap. Because of that our dishwasher was now full of bubbles and Tanner was the lucky one who got to clean it out. We tried to muffle our laughter for Tanner's pride's sake, but sometimes it would escape and we'd get bubbles to the face for our carelessness. Some people are just so touchy.

Trying to force Tanner to get in the picture

Also one more random thing. It was recently Daniel's picture so here are a few pictures from that. Also happy birthday to Makana! I hope it was a wonderful day.

Cute newlyweds!