Rasmania 101: Labor Day at Flaming Gorge (after a fire in Bountiful)

Mostly we could see the smoke. It was interesting watching
the firefighting planes throughout the day

On August 30, I began my morning routine, putting on my apple watch and unplugging my iphone. I noticed a text from my brother Dave asking if I was affected by the fire. I told him I knew nothing about it, so I supposed I wasn't affected. Then I walked outside to ask Roy about it. It looked and smelled very smoky.

The fire in Bountiful (This picture was taken by Jamie
Selijas).

I found this picture on KSL. This picture was credited to Casey Boardman-
-Christy Cunningham's son-in-law.

The fire was actively burning between our home and Nick's, but thankfully a little further up the mountain. The homes that were lost belonged to people in Nick's (and our previous) stake. I didn't know them. Nick was close enough that they did get a warning to start packing in case they were evacuated. I know we live somewhat close to the mountains, but I was surprised Nick was close enough for it to even be a concern. I heard that a lot of the evacuees were praying that the wind would change and protect the homes, and that's exactly what happened. We were talking to one of the fire fighters when we were in Flaming Gorge and he said that the only reason more homes were not lost was because the wind shifted directions.

Later that afternoon we left to enjoy Labor Day weekend in Flaming Gorge. All of our Utah family went with us. It's good we have a good relationship with the couple that oversees that camp--they gave us the largest camp spot (they could have insisted we pay for two spots but they didn't), and we had several tents set up around the trailer. Adrienne and AJ brought their families boat and shared with us--we can't fit everyone on our boat, so this was necessary and much appreciated. The Green's have a boat that can be used for surfing, etc. so it was a lot of fun for everyone to be able to try some different things. Hundreds of pictures were taken! I'll try to select a few to highlight everyone who was there (I'll put some at the end so if you get bored you can stop looking).

Adrienne, Caitlyn, Bridget, Crista and Greta

Grandma with Bridget

Jieun gave me a face mask to help my skin

We celebrated Gunnar's birthday on the 31st. Adrienne made a delicious
Texas Sheet Cake. When everyone had eaten, there was little bit of cake left
so Ollie and AJ sat down at the table with spoons and finished it off.

We had 14 of our 17 grandchildren with us.
Ila, Ollie, Finn, Yuna, Dojin, Avie and Greta
Back row: Hyeji, Gunnar, Ori, Doyeon, EFfie, Ruby and Bridget

Finn

Jieun with Bridget

Crista and Bridget

Dan and Dojin

The kids have as much fun playing on the tube
as they do being pulled on it.

AJ giving Gunnar a few tips on boat driving

At church. There were so many people we sat in the primary room. At first it was only our family, but it filled up.

Traveling to the Gorge we stopped at a park in Mountain View. There was a big pile of sand that isn't usually there. The kids had a ball playing in it and Effie asked her mom if they could stop at the sand park again on their way home, so some of the family did. Roy and I wished we did, because Adrienne warned everyone of a traffic problem on the way home, and we didn't see the text. Everyone beat us home--even those who stopped at the park to play.

Greta, Yuna, Hyeji

Dojin

Effie and Doyeon

Ruby

Yuna and Greta

Ruby, Greta and Effie

We missed Elise and her family. Andy is so busy with his residency he isn't able to come for the wedding. They are keeping busy and involved in their new area.

Mav and Beverly

Mav, learning to play T-ball. It seems he's a natural

Effie had her first day of pre-school the day after
labor day. She was so excited she didn't even say goodbye to her
mom, she just went straight into her class.

Saturday Adrienne put on a nice shower for Jennie. We had representation from most of my sibling's families. We enjoyed visiting and lunch. Jennie received some very nice gifts.

Jennie and Jordan at Adrienne's for the shower--NOT a baby shower
That is baby Bridget they are holding!!!

While we were having fun with cousins at the baby shower; Roy, Matt and Nick went on a quick over nighter in the Uinta's. They hiked to Wall Lake.

Matt

Matt and Nick

Wall Lake

Saturday evening, Roy and I, Christine and Steve, and Phil and Charlotte drove down to Springville to Michelle Clyde's wedding reception (my cousin Carl's daughter). We talked all the way down, met Dave and Becky at the event, and sat and visited for quite a while, then talked all the way home. It was a great family get together.

We enjoyed our Sunday (today) as a true day of rest. We were spiritually lifted at church, and had a quiet evening with only Caitlyn at home.

More pictures of the our time at the Gorge:

The Sunsets at Flaming Gorge were gorgeous this trip

Jennie and Greta

Jordan, Jennie and Greta

Avie

Matt and Ruby

Jordan and Ruby

Ruby (I'm not sure if she's mad or what)

Nick and Avie

Cait and Effie

Ollie and Greta

Sara and Catharine with Babies Avie and Bridget

Gunnar with the crawdad trap. The kids have been to Flaming Gorge enough
that they know all that there is to do for entertainment--the pond being
a big draw!