Clear Creek Ranch

Grandpa

(and Bubby who was there in spirit)

+
6 children and their spouses
+
40 grandchildren and 25 spouses
(not all the grandkids are married)
+
63 great-grandchildren and 1/2 dozen more on the way
=
one heck of a family reunion*

(I stole those stats from my sister's blog - that would've taken me wayyy tooo long to figure out) Now not everyone was there, but the good majority was. It was quite the clan. We missed those who couldn't come! Hopefully, we'll catch them next time.

We had our Richardson Family Reunion up at Clear Creek Ranch at the beginning of August.
It was a beautiful place filled with beautiful family. The Richardson family is filled with good people. One is guaranteed love, laughter, and good food at our reunions. It is always so good to see our extended family. As long as I can remember...even way back before the great grandkids were born....even way back when I was just a kid.... we were having these reunions. They were always a priority for Grandpa and Bubby. Well, their family was always a priority....and so they put on these reunions every two years to strengthen family bonds and make some great memories. And, boy, do we do just that! I know that is one of the reasons why we had such a close family growing up - many reunions and many, many family dinners at my grandparents' home or at the park.

Wes and Zane came across some noodles. And, what does one do with noodles? ....if you're a little boy. Instant Light Sabers!!! Yoda vs. Chewbacca. too funny. What was hysterically funny? ...was the sound that Zane made to show that he was Chewbacca. Wow. That was a previously undiscovered talent of his, but it's out now. I wish I had a sound recording of that one. Silly Zane. Always the entertainer.

At Clear Creek Ranch, there were a few ponds. But, the big one in the middle allowed for swimming and canoeing. So, of course, the children lived there. They couldn't get enough.

Even Todd went for some canoeing one afternoon.

In the middle of the pond, was a big floating slide. Didn't think it could get any better, did you?

The boys played some ball one afternoon.

Cute Jordan posing with the lifejackets.

Weston and Jonathan heading off to play Marbles.

Zane and Grant playing a game.

Sterling, reliving his elementary school days, really enjoyed the marbles. I guess he was quite the pro....back in the day.

We all loved to just sit around and chat with each other. I really do have a wonderful family.

We had this marble game activity because it was a game that our Grandpa Richardson loved to play when he was a kid.

One afternoon, we drove into Zion's National Park and hiked up part of the Narrows. Our little group didn't get too far since we had Weston with us. But, we had a great time and loved the scenery.

The last night we had a watermelon eating contest. Why? Because Grandpa Richardson LOVES watermelon and used to have contests with his boys. So, we relived the moments and did it again, but with a lot more people. It was great. When I leave a reunion, I always feel uplifted after being around such great people. I know...it sounds corny, but it's true. I love that I have always been close to my cousins. They are the best!!!

Zane and Lance were part of the contest.

Way to go boys!

We can't wait for the next one in two years.