Variah and I got to spend the Taylor Family Reunion together since Courtney went to girl’s camp. I dropped Everett off at Larlie's and Pop’s house on our way up to Paradise Pond in Idaho. We were so appreciative that Larlie watched Everett so I didn’t have to try to track two little ones that are always going, especially since we camp near a little pond.
So off Variah and I went to Paradise Pond. The drive up went well and we arrived just in time for lunch on Thursdayafternoon. After lunch Variah was so excited to swim in the pond. So we got into our swimsuits and enjoyed the afternoon playing in the water and on the boats and other floating things.
After playing hard for the afternoon we enjoyed a delicious meal and I was able to sneak away and do some fishing while Grandpa Taylor watched Variah for me. I was really glad he did because I ended up catching several fish. Since dinner was about ready I came in, however when I got there dinner wasn’t quite ready to I grabbed my pole to cast out a few times from the dock. It was good I did since I ended up catching the biggest fish anyone had caught so far. It was a rainbow trout and was roughly 18 inches and he was very fat. We cooked him up in addition to several other fish that others had caught for our late night snack. Variah even stayed up late to enjoy some…well sort of, she preferred the s’mores. She was exhausted though so I finally got her to bed.
The next morning it rained quite a bit so it kept all of us under cover all morning. Since all the kids were playing together and I had spent most of the morning at the swing set and playing with Variah and several other cousins I was able to get Camille to do the babysitting so I could go fish for a bit again since the rain had stopped but it was still very cloudy.
Variah with Marika (middle) and Taylor
I had to make the most of my fishing time since I didn’t get much having to watch Variah and all. I went out in the canoe for a bit and caught a few more fish. After being in the canoe for a bit I came back to the dock to fish a little there. That new dock must be my lucking fishing spot because after a few casts I was again battling with a big fish. Once I got it in close enough I could tell it really was even bigger than the other I had caught the day before. It was another rainbow and was just over 22 inches. I think this might have been the biggest trout I’ve ever caught (Wind Rivers trout were pretty big as well). I’ll tell you that my $20 collapsible fishing rod from Walmart I bought for that Wind Rivers trip sure has served me well in all my fishing adventures so far.
Getting him off the hook
Everyone was watching, exited for the big catch
Weighing in at...not sure the scale didn't really work. But the tape measure worked, 22 inches
Trophy of the Trip
Since it was still cloudy we decided to take some family pictures. We got a group shot of everyone then some of the grandkids, kids with spouses, etc… It was fun to all be together.
Once the sun finally came out after lunch we all wanted to jump in the water and play again. Variah did too initially but then decided she didn’t want to, so we over by the fire so we could watch everyone else and the cute little darling fell asleep in my arms and slept for nearly 2 hours. Once she finally woke up she was ready to play again, just not in the water. We went for a 4-wheeler ride, which she loves, then she played on the swing set and did all sorts of playing with her cousins.
My arm fell asleep...
Variah was so cute, the first day we swam in the water she wore this yellow life jacket. She didn’t want to take it off after that. She wore it to play on the swings, to eat, to go on the 4-wheeler rides, everywhere. She loved it. She even wore it in the family pictures above.
The swing set where many hours were spent swinging...
That evening we had a small “program” with some testimonies and nice thoughts about each other. Then we did some s’mores again with more ‘midnight’ fish. Variah got to sit under the blanket with Grandma Taylor.
The next morning Variah go to play some more with her cousins while I cleaned and packed everything for our trip back. On our way back we were about 15 minutes from Larlie's house and Variah says she has to go to the bathroom. So I took the next exit and had to go a ways off the freeway to find the nearest gas stations. We go inside and guess what….she doesn’t have to go. Obviously a little frustrated we got back in the van and headed back to the freeway. About 10 minutes back on the freeway she again said she had to go. I distracted her until we got to Larlie's so she could go there. Phew…
Everett had so much fun with Larlie and Pop but he was also very excited to see us. Larley taught him this cute little trick that he loved. Thanks again Larley and Pop for watching him.
Everett Video
Here's a picture at dusk of the pond from the campfire and a video of the whole campsite. As we were packing up there was a crop duster working a field next to us so we got to see the plane go back and forth for a bit. The kids really enjoyed see the plane so close.
Campsite video
It really was a super fun trip for Variah and I to spend some time together. She really enjoyed camping in the tent and being with her cousins. Can’t wait for the next family reunion. Hopefully we can have the rest of our family with us next time too (hint hint Courtney:))!
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