Southwick Reunion: Day 1

Last night Jeff's siblings and their families came into town for the weekend. Jeff's sister, Julie, her husband, Jon, and their four children (Megan, Heidi, Sara, and Alice) recently returned to the states after approximately three years being stationed in Germany (Jon is a Major in the Army). This has been the first time in at least three years that the bulk of the Southwick clan was together. (We missed Brad, his wife, Lori, and their two little girls who are currently stationed in Germany as well). This was also my first time meeting Jon and the girls. I loved every minute of this weekend. I have been enveloped, loved and accepted with open arms into the Southwick family. I realize that I have missed out on several years of watching the nieces/nephews grow up and several years of being able to develop relationships, but I have always felt so comfortable around Jeff's family. Today's adventures started with a leisurely hike up the Grotto Trail in Payson Canyon. Jeff took me on this same hike the very first weekend we met...only this time he didn't pick me up and shove me under the waterfall! Good thing because it was another less-than-warm Utah spring day.

The Southwick clan - 2013 

Katie and Alice 

Jeff and I at the Grotto...notice Amber and Maci in the back! Silly girls! 

Sara, Alice and Jeff 

Amber and Maci 

Daniel...holding up the mountain! 

Maci, Amber, Sara, Katie, Trudy and Daniel 

Evan, Trudy, Grandpa, Dallin 

The Grotto...looking from above. 

My favorite person in the whole wide world!

After we hiked the Grotto, we drove back down the canyon towards Maple Lake. This is a small, man-created fishing lake. It was a gorgeous day for a picnic and a quiet stroll around the lake. I simply enjoyed watching the kids skip rocks, play with fish snot (a.k.a. moss), and chat with all the adults.

Sara, Megan and Heidi with their fish snot. 

Carson and Daniel showing off their muscles. 

Laurin (hiding as usual), Heidi, Julie (holding Alice), Megan (standing), Sara, Grandma and Amber 

Dallin and Grant skipping rocks.

We spent a couple hours at the lake then made our way back to the houses to clean up. The adults then left the kids at home and went to dinner at the Art City Trolley in Springville. This was where Jeff took me on my birthday and we've been back several times since. Everyone seemed to enjoy the good food and good company...once we got over the fact that there were no kids around that needed our attention! All in all it was a great start to the weekend!

L to R: Stan, Kristi, Grandpa, Grandma, Jon, Julie, Katie, Me, Jeff, Trudy