Slade Family Reunion 2009

Richard & Pauline Slade

Every other Fourth Of July my Grandpa Slade's (above) family celebrates our heritage from Eagar, Arizona. My grandpa is the oldest of seven children. There are three siblings still alive; Darwin, Elwin and Doreen. Just days before the reunion my uncle Darwin had a stroke. He has stayed around long enough to say goodbye to his family and is waiting patiently to join his mom, dad and brothers on the other side. He will be greatly missed.

My mom, dad and all of my sisters reunited for this special occasion. Kelly and Becky drove from Idaho, Jamie flew from Utah and Andrea drove from Buckeye, Az. Kelly and her kids stayed with me and everyone else stayed with Rita. We spent every meal together and enjoyed the few short days we had together.

On Friday, July 3rd was our Family Meeting. We all met at Ramsey Park in Eagar for family updates, trivia, socializing and lunch. Friday evening we had a bonfire at Rita and John's. Saturday the 4th we all attended the parade. That was the last parade I remember us all being together since Deanna died. Saturday evening we watched fireworks on Rita & Johns back porch. Here are some random pictures I took of our weekend.

Mom, Rulon and Dad waiting for the meeting to start.

Uncle Kenny and Aunt Vickie surprised everyone with Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen.

My grandpa would always bring us grandkids dilly bars when we would visit. Usually on Sunday afternoons. It is a tradition and memory we will always remember.


Harly, Courtney, Kendall, Aarron, Kylie, Daycee and Deanna


Kristie and Paul giving horse rides to Gunner and MacKenzie

Aarron had to have a ride too.



Clayton won a prize from the raffle at the family reunion meeting.



Adam loved sitting in his chair since he doesn't like the ground and can't walk yet!

Nash having fun, but only if his mom is in sight.

Jagger and Aarron going down the "big" slide.


Clayton, Ryan and Carson waiting for the raffle to start.
Ryan won 4 items and Carson nothing. Better luck next time.




My mom and my sisters

Kelly, Rita, Kim, Mom, Jamie, Becky, Andrea

Deanna, Daycee, Kate, Kenzie


Jamie, Cammie, Macy (aka Megan Fox)
Doesn't Macy look like Megan Fox from Transformers?

My first cousin Stacey who I haven't seen for more than six years.

My mom and dad with all of their daughters and grandkids.

15 granddaughters and 10 grandsons

*Update*

Here is an update of our 2009 Big Lake Merrill Family reunion.

Aunt Anna giving the kids a ride on the Ranger

Carson & Clayton up front and in the back: Daycee, Jenna, Kenzie, Aarron, Charlotte & Harly

Clayton, Dallin & Wyatt scoping out the meadow.


Dayson, Kim, Adam, Kristie, Amaron, Satya, Sean, Christine,
Zack, Angelene, Aaron, Rachelle & Glenn



Aarron on the quad, wishing it would go.

Clayton & Dallin's first kill.

Carson fishing with Uncle Amaron

Capri, Sage, Garrett, Tatum, Carson (back), Dusty,

Brodee, Daycee, Halee, Kenzie & Krew (front)

Our family photo

It's a good thing we all dressed up for the picture.

Little Aarron fishing with Big Aaron and Aunt Rachelle

Glenn, Aaron & Clayton on grandpa's boat.

Look what I caught!

On your mark, get set, SHOOT!

Wyatt, Carson, Clayton, Dallin

Let me see the light!

Thanks grandma & grandpa for the headlamp.

Dallin & Clayton's second kill!

Adam

This is great, as long as I don't touch the grass or dirt!

Aarron

CHEESE!

Brodee & Aarron

digging buddies

Carson, Clayton, Dallin & Wyatt

They had a blast all weekend, hunting & fishing!

Aarron

Look what I found

Let me scoop it up

Dinner Time Mom!

Sage, Halee & Harly love hanging out with Aunt Rachelle!



The fierce fisherman!

Adam, Amaron, Glenn, Aaron & Dayson

We had such a great time with Dayson's family. I can't wait for next year's reunion!

Hors'in Around

Harly choreographed a dance for MacKenzie and Daycee to perform for Dayson and I.

Than the boys decided to have a dance of their own, wrestling! Aarron had to jump in on the fun.

Carson makes the most awesome faces!


MacKenzie showing off her dance moves on the coffee table....

and Aarron with his...

Adam had to have a turn, look at his moves...

Encore! Thank you, Thank you!

We hope you enjoyed our show.

This morning I went out to pull weeds from my garden and saw the first sign of life. I've got radishes. Don't know what I'll do with them, but I've got 'em. I'm so proud of my very first produce. When I showed Aarron the picture he said, "Ooh, apples". I can't wait to see what else starts popping up!

....and this afternoon, Harly was playing "house" and Adam was her baby. He loved being pushed around in the doll stroller.

Special Tribute To My Sister Deanna

Kelly, Tricia, Kimberly, Deanna, Andrea, Rebecca, Rita and Jamie

at the Mesa, Arizona Temple visitor center in our Easter dresses, 1982.

Deanna's high school senior year portrait, 1993


My wedding reception 7-27-1996
Jamie, Andrea, Rebecca, Kimberly, Deanna, Rita, Kelly

My sisters and I made this photo for my parents after Deanna passed away. We had her added digitally. I think this was December of 1999.

Today Deanna would be 34 years old. She is missed by her mother, father, sisters, brothers -in-law, nieces, nephews and everyone who knew her.
None of my kids were born before Deanna died, but talk about her like they know and love her.

The Sunday before Deanna died, we sat in Relief Society together and were approached by somenone in the ward to substitute in nursery. Neither of us hesitated, for we loved kids and were both expecting our first child. Deanna a girl, and me a boy.I am greatgul for the opportunity to have served with her one last time. After church that day we went back to my mom's house for lunch and we ate tostadas. Deanna's favorite. Deanna asked me to fix hers and I am so glad I did. As I gave her the tostada, she told me to go back and put more sour cream on it. That was the last time I got to see her alive. I love and miss my sister very much. I can't wait to see her again.