First Ever: LeRoy and Kimber Family Reunion

27 years in the making . . . 

On November 23, 1990 LeRoy and I were sealed in the Jordan River Temple in the large sealing room with the stained glass window.

On April 29, 2018 LeRoy and I were in that same sealing room with all six of our children, including two of their spouses, one grandbaby, and another grandbaby on the way....our posterity. I was so touched to have all of us in the exact same room where we began.

After the tour, we spent about 30 minutes playing in Heavenly Father's yard. Kailee was happy to run in circles; Nathan and Hyrum were happy to chase her. Justin got in his signature hand stand and Levi wandered the grounds getting some really great pictures. Once Erika's swelling ankles had had enough, we continued on with our plans.

P.S. We did try to keep her ankles from swelling by using a wheelchair for the tour. Alas, pregnancy has a way with ankles.

Our forever has already begun and it is beyond any dreams, expectations or hopes that I have ever had. I am so honored and blessed to live life with these beautiful souls to call family!

Kailee (2), Bret, Erika, Nathan (12), Kimber, LeRoy,
Daymia, Levi, Hyrum (10), Justin, Derek

The temple open house was the starting point of our reunion but we couldn't just meet up and go to the place where our family started, we also needed to play and laugh and be together. It was time for the very first, LeRoy and Kimberly Edwards family reunion.

Prior to our temple tour, our reunion actually started in Rexburg. Justin and Derek were home so we all went to the drive-in theater to watch Infinity War.

We piled into the back of the trucks, set up a couple of camp chairs and snuggled up for the show. The best part of the whole show was after the very last scene, when LeRoy stood up and declared, "that was the stupidest movie I've ever seen". He prefers a happy, solid ending without a cliff hanger.

The next morning we headed to Utah to meet up with Bret and Erika for the temple tour. After the temple tour we made our way to JCW's The Burger Boys for some lunch.

Though they had delicious food, we left feeling a bit guilty for wasting so much. The portions were huge!! Still, our bellies were full and we were ready for some fun.

Before heading over to Boondocks in Draper, we checked into our hotel and quickly changed clothes. Never a dull moment with this family, not even in an elevator.

It's a LeRoy thing.
Their shirts say it all, hunk of a Grandpa and stud university student.

Boondocks was a blast!! We felt quite official with our credit card like pass cards and wrist bands.

Whew, Derek is tall enough for all the rides!

Our first stop was golfing, at least for most of us. Poor Erika had ankles the size of baseballs so she sat for most of the time with Kailee contained in a play area.

Everyone has a special golf pose...

Next stop: go carts.

Hyrum wasn't quite tall enough to ride alone so he and Levi partnered up. Erika, Kailee and I cheered them on from the side lines.

The batting cages drew out any final aggression and left a few sore muscles the next day.

Kailee was not to be left out. She donned a helmet and dragged her bat around like she was a pro!

We were able to get all that in with only a few rain drops, which were actually quite refreshing. While Idaho was still in a springtime slumber, Utah was well into the higher temperatures and we weren't quite used to it yet.

Inside, we wandered at our own pace, pairing off with whoever was interested in the same game, as we took on the arcade and laser tag.

Our very favorite was the XD Dark Ride 7D. We chose the Zombie movie for our virtual experience and it did not disappoint!

We gave our best attack as we screamed and squealed, all the while shooting at zombies as we were tossed in our chairs, with fake wind blowing in our hair. Hyrum was the one who was adamant that we do the Zombie movie and we could tell he loved it by his big eyes, hesitant grin, and the comment, "well, I'm gonna have nightmares tonight".

After a drive to Utah, the temple tour, and several hours at Boondocks, we were ready to relax. The hotel swimming pool was the perfect ending to the day.

I stayed in the room and put Kailee to sleep so that Erika could get off her feet and let the water take the belly pressure off of her hips.

This picture is a pregnant woman's dream. Relaxing, weightless, floating comfort in a cute swimsuit!
Erika was a champ throughout the whole day! She could have easily gone home and every one of us would have understood, but she stuck it out, even if only to watch the fun instead of fully participating in it. I'm so proud of the woman that she is!

After a good night's sleep, we gathered the next morning for an IHOP breakfast, carrying on the vacation tradition that we've had with each long trip home from Texas. We always stopped there for breakfast before hitting the last stretch of road home.

I absolutely loved this weekend with my family! I love watching my kids hang out together as friends. I love their laughter, their personalities, and their love for each other. I'm grateful to call them all mine.

Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida

 The closest we could get to Nationals in Florida was Ogden, Utah. The send off was a perfect way to see the full routine and to show our support for Justin.

The Weber Spirit Squad has become a second family to Justin. I've been impressed with the coach, the team and their encouragement of each other. They headed to Florida as returning national champions.

Justin kept me posted throughout the event, which helped curb my guilt over not making it a point to be there. I knew logically, I didn't need to be there but over the last three years I have really grown to love watching his competitions and his growing skill.

I've never prayed for good internet connection and speed, but I admit that I did during the live broadcasts of Justin's performances. They had a qualifying performance one day and the finals performance the next.

During the prelims they had a couple of dropped stunts but Justin and his team went into finals with positive attitudes, and used those fails to motivate them to do their very best.

It was so great to watch Justin in his solo tumbling pass right there front and center. I held my breath, clapped and cheered at his completion, and was a bit teary-eyed with pride.

The results came just a short time later and with the internet hanging on by a prayer, I got to watch live as they announced Weber as back-to-back champions! Hyrum had just gotten home from school and together we danced around the kitchen, cheering for Justin and his team.

So much work went into that trophy! Justin will have a National Champion 2018 ring, memories and friendships as his take-home trophy.

I'm so proud of this kid and his hard work! I'm also proud of his positive attitude, commitment, ability to get along with those who are, at times, difficult, and his willingness work as a team member.

♥ LSWT ♥

Nathan's 12th Birthday:

Nathan received two very special gifts on his birthday: The Priesthood and a bunny.
But first, his "cake".

Nathan has never liked cake, so every year we try to figure out a worthy substitute. He thought he was stumping me with his suggestion and request for a "colorful, jello cake". Never doubt the mother!

Each layer took at least 45 minutes to set so this cake took roughly four hours to make. It jiggled just like he hoped, was as colorful as a rainbow, and as sweet at our pre-teen boy himself.

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For as long as I can remember, Nathan has been asking for a bunny. As cat owners that seemed like a silly idea and honestly, I didn't want the parental work that would be necessary to train him to take care of it. However, at twelve, I contemplated where the rabbit would stay, researched types of rabbits I'd be willing to add to our country abode, and started searching.

The only place I could find the breed of rabbit I would allow (one that would stay small) was in Utah. We were headed there for a send-off for Justin to Nationals so it was perfect timing to pick up his birthday pet.

He sat unknowingly in the van while I approached a house under the guise of "picking something up". I came out with a squirmy baby bunny, barely the size of a cupcake.

Nathan squealed, laughed, and tried to hide his happy tears as he cuddled up with his new best friend.

We quickly learned that Bruno, as Nathan named him, could daily eat twice his body weight and poop nearly the same amount. Although he looked round and chubby, it was all fluff that he could squeeze right between the bars of the animal pen. It took nearly 3 months before his head grew big enough to stop him from escaping.

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Nathan's 12th birthday brought a very big step in his spiritual life. He has been preparing for and looking forward to this birthday for the last several months.

After learning how to do indexing on the Family Search website, and having friends who were telling him how much they love going to the temple, he was really looking forward to doing baptisms at the Rexburg LDS Temple.

Before he could do that though, he was to be ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood.

That was a beautiful day full of family. Bret, Erika, Kailee and Derek came from Utah; Levi and Daymia came from Idaho Falls; Grandpa and Grandma Fullmer came from Utah and we all gathered for this important occasion in Nathan's spiritual life. As we all walked into the small classroom at the church, where the Deacon's met as a class, we filled the room with love and support. Grandpa Fullmer, Bret, Bishop Wray, Brother Allred, and Brother Lundin all joined LeRoy for the ordination.

The rest of the day was full of family and food, so we waited until Monday to take a trip to the temple for some pictures.

After a walk around the grounds, Nathan posed in front of the springtime trees just starting to bud their leaves. I thought he was just wandering the grounds but he started to look a little pensive.

"These trees are just like me. They are starting to bud their leaves and will grow and blossom throughout the summer with the help of the sun. I'm just now budding in the priesthood but with the help of the Son, I will blossom and grow too."

Just a few weeks later, LeRoy, Nathan and I went to do baptisms. The temple workers treated him as a very special guest. As we were waiting for our turns, Nathan sat next to me and started to quietly quote the Articles of Faith, all 13 of them. He grinned in his nervousness, explaining that they were helping him stay calm. LeRoy did the baptizing, Nathan was baptized, and I wrapped each of them in a warm towel after. Five family ancestors that Grandma Fullmer had found received the opportunity to accept baptism that day.

When we walked out of the temple, Nathan paused again by the trees, smiled and asked for a picture.

"See, we are both blossoming."


Nathan wanted a group party at The Craze here in town. We made quick invitations and planned it for the weekend after his birthday. On the morning of the party, the Craze called to inform us that the sever rainstorm from the night before had flooded the building. We couldn't even reschedule because they didn't know how long it would take for cleanup and repairs.

About a month later, the boys were able to play laser tag, miniature golf and arcade, and to down as much pizza and soda as they bellies can handle.

Middle School Game Night, Spring Piano Festival and Easter

Nathan had a Mother and Son Game Night at his school. However, I already had tickets for a conference in Utah so I had to find a replacement.

To quote Nathan, "every activity is better with Levi and Daymia there!"

Among other games, they played life-size human Foosball, Connect Four, Hungry Hungry Hippos and Angry Birds.

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After months of practicing, the boys were both ready for Spring Festival at BYU-I.

They both played their memorized pieces in front of judges with confidence, and I was so proud of their hard work and courage.

Our tradition after piano festivals is to get a treat at Cocoa Bean.

Depending on the weather, and our cravings, we get either hot cocoa, specialty mixed drinks or cupcakes. It was a specialty drink kind of day, but we always appreciate a good cupcake poster.

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Easter traditions seem to fall second to General Conference and Nathan's birthday, but Levi and Daymia are good to at least hide eggs for the boys and occasionally we get in a little egg coloring.

Keeping it simple. It's all about the time together, not the eggs.

Due to the wind and rain, we fair weather egg hunters kept the fun inside. We weren't positive on the number of eggs that were hidden, so even three weeks after Easter,we were finding eggs around the house. Luckily, we only use cheap plastic eggs filled with coins or candy instead of real, hard boiled eggs, so each find was a new treasure of a holiday often forgotten and well in the past.

Snapchat

In an attempt to keep their mom current, my kids have downloaded Snapchat on my phone. Laughter and insanity has ensued.

I quickly learned that filters could make me feel all perty and put together, 

but there are days where no amount of filter is going to fix my hot-mess self.

It's been fun to "play Snapchat" with my littles . . . 

and my bigs . . . 

and even with my animals.

It's good for sharing quick notes,

and love notes,

or showing off skills,

and serving as evidence of adulting.

Snapchat can catch the glum and glitz of any moment,

or really, any expression throughout the day.

Punny Conversations are limited to a picture and a phrase but not limited at all in humor.

Knowing that my boys were on a very limited budget and wanting to give them a feel for having a storage, I gave Derek and Justin a challenge. They were given a dollar amount with the assignment to set a menu, make a list, fill a grocery cart and stay within budget. It would then load up their shelves and refrigerator for a couple of weeks.

They followed through on each detail and I was thrilled to get these in response. I also got a video of Justin tossing cans from the grocery bag on the counter to Derek standing in the pantry as they unloaded their stash and loaded it onto the shelves. Another view showed me a packed freezer and loaded fridge. 

I do appreciate a clever way to stay in touch with my peeps (does using that phrase keep me current?), but my biggest gripe with Snapchat is that I have to screenshot everything and I have one chance to get it right. Miss that chance and the moment is gone, poof, into thin air. Videos? One chance (maybe one replay) to watch and then it's gone. For someone in their 27th year of photo documenting and storage, such disposable photo treatment is torture!