FINALLY ALL TOGETHER

Joshua, Christopher, Angela, David, Benjamin at the cabin.

Fifteen Grandkids!

I was waiting for Eddie's pictures and video's of our family vacation to post, but after reading Cooper's three posts this afternoon (with tears in my eyes), I had to begin the process. My dream of having all of my five children and fifteen grandchildren all in one place at the same time finally happened July, 2011. It was noisy, hot, messy at times, but heavenly. I loved it. Finally all together. Grandkids that hadn't met each other, not only met but played together, roasted marshmallows together, cried, laughed and got dirtier than anyone can imagine, fell off that old seesaw and fought over the swings . But, again, it was heaven to me just having them finally all together.

Ken with some of the grandkids getting  ready for roasting.

Families are forever and having them together was magical. Yes, my children are a bit sarcastic with each other, but they adore each other and always support one another, no matter what. I love that and know there is nothing they wouldn't do for each other. Some new to the family may not realize that with their constant joking, that they are just having fun, and they are, and it makes me smile, even as I write this post. That's what makes a family unique and special - the different personalities, but same eternal family goals.

Adelaide (11) roasting a strawberry?

Pictured above is the famous little walkover step ladder that goes from our cabin yard to the meadow. I remember sitting on this ladder (recently repaired by my thoughtful brother, Kim ) as a little girl, then again as a teenager, a college student and an expecting, pregnant young mother. I would sit there and often just think about things, ponder the future, and visualize my future family there enjoying the gorgeous surroundings. I love this cabin and I know my children do to. Granted, there are only three bedrooms, a loft for laying out sleeping bags, a kitchen, front room and screened in porch overlooking the Weber rivers, but oh so many memories.

Nothing better than hot dogs, chips, potato salad and smores.

I used to bring the kids up by  myself, and we'd wade in the river, skim rocks, fish, swim in the water holes, (after numbing our entire body from the frigid water) hike, take walks to the spring at night and to the gate during the day to open it for arriving guests, ride the river on inner tubes, roast marshmallows, both inside the cabin and outside in front of the firepit, sit in front of a roaring bonfire at night, and always play many competitive rounds of the games Sorry, Monopoly and Chinese Checkers.

Roasting, bonding, loving.

We've discussed wanting to plow down our side of the cabin and rebuild something larger, newer, more comfortable. But, according to my cousin, Ellen, the county considers it an historical site. So, the now shoe shack, storage area is still standing, which was the original cabin. And the rest has had lots of add-on's and repairs, but it is a century old and will remain like it is forever, I think. The couches change with one wearing out and others brought in from various families redecorating their homes. But the rocking chairs are still the same, dining table in tack just as it was when my dad helped build it, and the window sills have a different coat of paint (although someone must have closed their eyes when painting since it's all over the glass!), but the spirit of love, memories and family warm your heart and take you back to a simpler time and place. I remember studying for exams there - junior high, high school, college. I remember sewing maternity clothes there when I was pregnant with Angela. I remember sorting through sad times there, and having them turn from sadness to happiness. The cabin does that to you. And finally...my family was all together at last, and I loved it!