Quist Family Reunion

The weekend after the Smunt Reunion was the Quist/Watson family reunion for my Dad’s side of the family.  The extended Quist and Watson family gathered at Camp Lo Mia to celebrate Erva and Eva’s 100^th birthday.
Erva was my Dad’s mom and Eva her twin sister. When my Dad was seven his Mom, Erva passed away.  My Grandpa married Eva whose husband had also passed away.  My Dad’s aunt and cousins became his step-mother and step-siblings.  I could write pages and pages about these two wonderful ladies, Erva and Eva.  They helped each other get through nursing school and were nurses during World War II.  They were both amazing, strong women and I can’t wait to meet them someday.
 
The old family 8mm films were rescued and put on DVD’s. They covered from the 40’s to the 70’s and were great fun to watch. Here is a little snippet of the videos.  I cry every time I watch this. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CVRRW5OWpY

My Dad’s brothers and sisters took turns telling stories. We had a testimony meeting, talent show, games, and activities, and a very successful auction. Many of the auction items were family “treasures” that were passed down to many of the younger generation, including Grandma Erva’s WWII nursing uniform, some medals, and her scriptures.The crystal bead necklace that Grandma Erva wore on her wedding day and other special days, sold for more than $700. The proceeds from the auction will go toward funding the next reunion in 5 years.

Aaron, Rebecca and children drove over, and Chery flew down from Utah to join us as well. The only stress involved was feeding all the people. Two families were assigned to each meal. It was a bit stressful helping my Mom cook for 200 people. Rebecca came up with our menu: Yoshida’s chicken.  It was a very popular meal.









At night we slept in “addys.”  (cabin-like structures with a canvas flap to cover the front.)  Stephen and Boston LOVED EVERY MINUTE of this reunion!  It was so nice to be up in the cool mountains and we enjoyed rainstorms every afternoon.  It was nice to reconnect with my extended family and I loved learning more about my Grandma Erva and Grandma Eva. 
The boys’ favorite past time:  Climbing on rocks.




Scott took the boys on a mini hike up the big hill.

First self portrait attempt:

My new favorite picture of all time!

They also found “Pride Rock.”


Boston’s lion roar!




Their other favorite part was this tire swing:











One of the most amazing moment of this trip was when Stephen went on the zip line.  He was a little below the age requirement but he is big for his age, right?  We felt good about it and so up he went - 30 feet high, a harness, helmet, and the works.  He was a little nervous when he got up there but they gave him a little shove and off he went!  He said once he was going he wasn’t scared anymore and it was just really fun!