Barrus Reunion - Including Jonah's Baptism!

We had such a fun time at the Barrus Reunion this year. Clara was in charge, and she booked a campground on Antelope Island, since John's dad had always wanted to swim in the Great Salt Lake. We had bison roaming right by our campground, which was both cool and scary. There were tons of mosquitoes, but we kept repellent on, and it was good. The older cousins are so cute with the younger ones. Quinn and Garrick have been fun additions. Quinn, especially, just seems made to entertain children.

On one of the days, we had a tour of the museum and historical buildings:

We made arrangements with our old Syracuse ward to hold Jonah's baptism there, since it was so close to Antelope Island. (I figured we wouldn't get many family members to Vernal for Jonah's baptism, but in Syracuse during the reunion, we'd get nearly everyone.) We also had some Syracuse friends there. Vaughn and my dad gave wonderful talks, and there was such a sweet spirit there. It was beautiful.

We had refreshments in the pavilion afterward:

And then back to Antelope Island:

Maggie always hugs grandparents, but she seems particularly drawn to John's dad.

John's dad isn't doing well. His memory is really going. He wanted to speak to everyone on the final morning of the reunion. He bore his testimony and expressed his love. I hope it won't detract to share this, but at one point John's mom walked over by him, presumably to gently let him know that he'd spoken long enough. He guessed her intent and preempted her by saying, "I'll talk as long as I want." It was cute, because it was so typical of both of them.

I was so blessed to marry into this sweet, supportive family!