Callister Reunion

Last Wednesday night Jim, Tralee, and I drove up to Atlanta, Idaho to spend a few days with the Callisters (Jim's Mom's side of the family). I've never been to Atlanta but it was BEAUTIFUL! We saw 25 deer on the drive up to the lodge. The lodge was right next to the Saw Tooth Mountains so the views were awesome. The lodge we rented was set on 500 acres, it had a tennis court, basketball court, natural hot spring pool, hiking trails, bike trails (both for mountain biking and motorbiking), horse shoes, a little golf T, volley ball court, a little stream that ran through the property, a big yard we played softball in, a pond with paddle boats, swings, and the lodge itself was nice and spacious for the family to gather in to play cards and visit. All the meals were catered, so we didn't have to worry about planning meals. It was really nice. Also, the Callisters were the only people there, so it was really nice to know that we were all connected in some way. I still don't know everyone there, and I don't think I ever will (there are 12 original Callister kids, and each of them have large families) but I got a chance to meet a few relatives I haven't met yet, and visit with others I already know. It was great.

Jim and I rented a room, which worked out perfectly for us. When I had to lay Tralee down for a nap or bed time, I didn't have to worry about leaving her alone. I just had an aunt or cousin keep an ear out for her, while Jim and I left to play. And play we did! One day we went on a mountain bike ride to a natural hot springs waterfall. Someone had damned it up, so there was a nice little pool there. We biked to it in the middle of the day, so we didn't get in the pool, it was WAY too hot, but still gorgeous. The first night we were there, Tralee went down easily and Jim and I went swimming in the pool at the lodge. It felt great. Other times while Tralee napped we played card games, hiked, visited, and went for a motor bike ride.

While awake, Tralee's favorite activity -- hands down -- was playing in the little stream that ran through the property. I don't know why I even bothered to put Tralee in regular clothes. I should have just let her play in a swim diaper and swimsuit. She loved the water. Plus, the little stream isn't deep at all so I could just let her play and play without any worries.Every morning a group of girls and I went on a hike. Jim watched Tralee for me. It was nice to start the day off with a little exercise and girl talk. After the walk there was usually a softball game starting up, so I took Tralee while Jim played.

The only thing planned was a short family devotional on Friday night. The rest of the time everyone could do whatever they wanted. I like family reunions like this. I think when things are planned and scheduled it becomes way too much. I also HATE LOOOONG programs. I've been to a few reunions where things were WAY over planned, and there were just too many speakers during the devotional. When things drag on like that I think it detracts from the Spirit. When programs are short, sweet, and to the point I love it! That's what this devotional was like -- perfect!

I have to say Jim, Tralee, and I had a lot of fun at this reunion. Jim was awesome. I was a little worried he would be so preoccupied playing, that he would forget about his wife (who doesn't know very many Callisters all that well) and daughter. However, Jim was very attentive to us. When he WAS busy playing he checked in regularly. Jim also forwent certain activities I KNEW he would have loved to play, to spend time with his own little family. At one point the three of us took a nice long nap in our room. It was great. When did sleep become one of my favorite past times? I think it was after I had a baby. Jim also took Tralee a few times, so I could enjoy doing an activity or two. So, YAY for Jim! Below is my favorite picture of us from the reunion.
Lastly, I have to explain the picture below. While we were in Ohio Tralee fell in love with my niece Haylee's crocs, which are several sizes too big for Tralee. So, my mom and I decided to get Tralee her own pair that actually fit. We found a cute pink pair of Disney crocs in Tralee's size, but when we excitedly presented them to her she started crying. She wanted nothing to do with them! The only thing that got Tralee to stop crying was letting her wear Haylee's crocs again. So, my mom went back to the shoe store to return the crocs we bought for Tralee. Afterwards, while browsing the isles at Target, my mom came across some knock-off crocs that were similar in color to Haylee's. She also bought them a few sizes too big, and gave them to Tralee. Tralee LOVED them!!! In fact, she is still in love with them, and won't let me take them off of her feet. They're WAY too big for her, but Tralee wears them with pride. The picture below is Tralee taking a nap at the reunion. I put her down without the shoes on, but they were mysteriously back on her feet when I came in the room to check on her. Man this girl loves her shoes!