Family Reunion

About a week and a half ago, we had a big Haroldsen Reunion here in Idaho Falls. We were celebrating not only Father's Day on the 15th, but my Grandpa's 80th birthday, my parents' anniversary, and my brother's anniversary. We haven't had a Haroldsen reunion in a long time, so it was great to have one. My Grandpa has 7 kids (plus their spouses), 44 grandkids, and 18 great grandkids (4 more on the way) on just his side of the family (his wife, Elaine, has an even bigger family!). Most of us were able to be there (some in and out at various times), and we all had lots of fun out at Grandpa's house.

During the reunion, we had a big birthday party for Grandpa, a big cookout one night, a big potluck another night, crafts and games, and a trip to the nuclear sight where Grandpa helped make history. We also had a Talent Show for Grandpa and I was amazed by how much talent my family had!! We got some of the grandkids to go up and sing the ABC Song, and then Parker decided he wanted to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" too. It was very cute and I was surprised by how bold Parker was. He usually shys away from crowds, but I guess he wanted to do it because he saw everyone else doing it. In the picture is Emily (Jen's almost 4-yr-old), Sydney (Jess' 4-yr-old), Parker, Mikey (Jen's 4-yr-old), Riley (Lisa's 4-yr-old), Lisa, and Austin (her 1-yr-old).


It was so great to have the reunion because all of my immediate family came out for it. All of us sisters were able to be together last summer with our kids, but none of our husbands and Joe and Mary weren't there. So Mom and Dad got to have all 5 of their kids, all the spouses, and all 9 grandkids (two more coming soon) together. One of the nights of the reunion, we were able to have everyone over for dinner to celebrate some birthdays. Even though we have a three bedroom apartment, it was quite the scene to fit 12 adults and 9 kids all into our house for dinner. But the kids had a lot of fun playing together, and it was great. We also went and got a family picture of all of us, which was quite adventuresome as well. The 4 four-year-olds (Sydney, Riley, Mikey, & Emily) and Madisyn did quite well, but the 2 two-year-olds (Parker and Natalie, especially Parker!) and the 2 one-year-olds (Austin & Lincoln) were quite the challenge. The pictures haven't come back yet, but I have a snap shot or two that Dad took while we were there.

After the pictures were taken, we let all of the kids (besides Madisyn) have suckers. Everyone is there except Lincoln (13mo). In the picture: Austin (14 mo), Madisyn (8mo), Parker (26mo), Natalie (25mo), Michael (4), Sydney (4), Emily (almost 4), & Riley (4)

Sydney, Parker, & Riley waiting for the professional pictures to be taken

Richie, my sister Lisa, Riley, and Austin outside the photo studio

I was really glad that although Jen and her family and Lisa & her family couldn't stay very long, Mom & Dad and Jess and her family got to stay for a whole week after the reunion. Jess, Renn, Syd, & Lincoln even got to stay at our house for a few of the days. So the kids got to play a lot, and Syd and Parker especially had a lot of fun together.

Sydney in her ballerina outfit dancing


Madisyn and Lincoln playing together


Uncle Joe and Madisyn