Chatfield Reunion

Every two years the Chatfields get together for a family reunion. This year we stayed local and enjoyed a long weekend together. Here are several things we did together as a family.





Boating



Swimming



The Chatfield MEN!



Pinata Time!

I have to explain these pictures. We actually had two pinatas at our reunion. The first one (a joke) was filled with broccoli (a surprise for the kids). Some of the older kids didn't really laugh very much when all they saw fall out of the pinata was a green flowerly vegetable. (It was sure fun watching their reactions). We pulled out the second pinata (full of candy) after half of the kids had filled their goody bags with the tasty raw treat. Check out the picture of kids with empty bags; wondering where the candy was. (HE HE HE) I guess this is what you get when you put the uncle who is the dentist in charge of the pinata.





A family reunion isn't complete without having the traditional talent show. Here we are singing our hearts out (including hand motions) to Bazooka Bubblegum.

Scout 50 Miler

Seth went on a 50 mile hike with his scout troop to Desolation Wilderness. From the name, it would seem as if they would be hiking in the desert, however that was not the case. They actually had to cut the hike short due to all of the snow along the trail. They were able to hike approximately 25 miles in total. I guess they will have to try again to do another 50-miler when the snow has melted.

Here are the boys and leaders who went and their nicknames.

Seth--Slothy
Baily--Broken Pole
Drake--Pretty Boy
Nick P.--Turtle
Ryan--Big Red
Nick W.--Gimpy
Bro. Keables
Bro. Lupton
Bro. Grimes
Bishop Wright

Since I wasn't with Seth on the hike, I thought I would ask him some questions to help us all know how the hike went. Enjoy the great pictures and his responses!



What was your favorite thing about the hike?

"Annoying the leaders."

What was your least favorite thing?

"Hiking in the snow and not catching a fish."



What was the most fun about the hike?

"Walking on the ice with bare feet." (I'm sure there is a story here.)

What was not fun about the hike?

"Waking up each morning."

*Check out the picture of Seth on the middle left--he is talking on the phone, to his MOM! What a sweet boy. Hearing his voice was awesome! I'm so glad I was his one phone call.



What is the one thing you were glad that you had on the hike?

"Aloe Vera"

What is one thing you wish you had brought with you on the hike?

"An ATV or my iPod"

I LOVE this picture--it's such a "Seth" thing to do.



What was the best food you ate?

"Fish"

What was the worst food you ate?

"Dehydrated Lasagna"




Would you change anything about the hike?

"The length and having to carry a backpack."

Would you do it again?

"NOPE! Well, maybe in a couple of years."

When they arrived back in town the leaders took all the scouts to eat at In N Out Burger--YUM!



These pictures made me wish I could have gone--however, I'm not fond of the snow. I guess I'll just keep enjoying the pictures!



Many thanks to the Keables and Wrights for the great pictures.

Summer Fun

It's amazing how fast the summer comes and goes. Here are a few things that we did to keep us busy and enjoy the few weeks of summer vacation.



My good friend Melanie invited us to go hiking in upper Bidwell park.



Here we are again on another hike by Lake Oroville



This hike was along Deer Creek--BEAUTIFUL! Our fun friends, the Picketts & Bowles, joined us this time.



I was in charge of a youth activity this month. We decided to play water baseball. The kids LOVED it, especially sliding into homebase. (AKA--Slip n Slide)



My brother Kyle and his family came out for a visit and we took a day trip back up to Lake Philbrook. We enjoyed the afternoon sunshine by the lake and we were even able to play in patches of snow again. We then then stayed for roasted hot dogs and family night around the campfire. These are the best of times!



Summer haircuts are the best!

Camping

We found some time during the summer to go on a family camping trip. Our plan was to go to Lake Philbrook, but because of the snow the campground wasn't open yet. So, we had to settle for Cherry Hill campground this year. My sister, her kids, and my parents joined us.


Isn't camping great! You get to learn all sorts of life skills--such as chopping down your very own dead tree. I'm all for keeping the kids busy and active--no need to say, "I'm bored"--go play with the ax!


We did take a day trip to Lake Philbrook during our camping trip because we really missed not going to our usual spot. It was BEAUTIFUL! If you look closely in the pictures you can still see snow on the banks of the lake. The water was freezing, but the kids still enjoyed themselves. Kiana was even able to find some snow to ride her bike through.



You can always find things to amuse yourself with while cohabiting in the family tent--brushing teeth, reading a book, flash light tag, and hide & go seek kept us busy while we were condensed in our small sleeping quarters.


Don't forget to bring the hot chocolate while camping. It keeps your belly warm and a smile on your face.