Family Reunion

Family reunions are the best! The Vergil Fewkes Family met for one week in Torrey, UT at Capitol Reef National Park. We stayed at Thousand Lakes RV park in cabins and RV's. This reunion was bitter sweet as it was fun to see extended family but hard to not have my entire immediate family close by. My sister Shannon has been struggling quite a bit lately with a fungus that is pretty deadly. She's hanging in there but it makes it hard to make decisions and do things as a family when we don't know what lies in store for her. My sister Janel opted not to come to the reunion so she could spend time with Shannon. Lindy had a reunion with her in- laws scheduled and my brother Eric couldn't make it either. It was interesting because as the reunion got closer I began to doubt my decision to attend. My brothers Jerel and Shad felt the same as did many members of the family. Jerel and Shad and I all talked and decided that we should go ahead and attend the reunion. Upon making that decision I knew it was the right one and several other family members decided in the affirmative as well. It was hard to go and miss family members, especially sweet Shannon but being together as a family during hard times is what its all about.

We had fun mostly just talking and laughing together. It was a beautiful area and the weather was pretty good most of the time. We hiked around Capitol Reef and always ended the afternoon with milkshakes at the local burger joint.

Me hiking around. My nephew Owen and niece Mikah climbing on the rocks!

We mostly just sat around and talked. At night, during the day, talk, talk and talk. Its so fun to just enjoy family time together.

Some of the highlights of the week were:

The horseshoe tournament....I joined several teams and lost each time. Some would say I was the common denominator....I say I just chose poorly! :)

My new fiance Suzanne came and joined us the last day/night! She got to see the family in rare form! :)

The infamous talent show...good times had by all. I love that we got my siblings to do Saturday's Warrior. Singing was fun but the message of the song got to me. "Pulling Together We Can Work It Out". That's what family is all about! Suzanne and I also sang together and I'm so glad that she did.

The family testimony meeting - Always a tearjerker but such a spiritual experience. Its so powerful to share your testimony with those closest to you.

One of my favorite traditions is the Fewkes Family Song that we sing at the end of the talent show. Some day I'll post the lyrics but they have to do with working together as a family and helping each other.

Uncle Cory, Aunt Dawnette, Uncle Darron, Aunt Gaylawn, Mom, Aunt Star

After the reunion, Suzanne and I stuck around to do some hiking and sightseeing. We hiked up chimney rock, saw the local nesting eagles and enjoyed our time together. It was a good extension to the week!

The eagles nesting...while watching them this little skunk came out of nowhere and scared Suzanne half to death!