Andersen Reunion 2010 and New Years' Eve

The Darl and Erma Andersen (Neil's paternal Grandparents') family has a reunion every other year. This year it was held in Mesa and around 150 people were in attendance--aunts, uncles, cousins, cousins' children--and that was only half the crew. It is so fun being a part of such a big family. It is always a party when we all get together.

This year, the theme was 'Andersen Magic'. The tables were decorated with magician's hats, and we ate magicians' treats like magic wands (chocolate covered pretzel rods). After a little review of our family history, we played games, ate lots of food, and had workshops on how to have peace in our homes. Grace got to play with puppies at Neil's cousin's house. She was in heaven.

Day 2 was held at a tri-stake center where we played basketball, played on blow-up bouncers, had a magic show, and did a service project. The day ended with a re-enactment of a story from the Book of Mormon: Lehi's Dream. It was a very touching production that helped us all realize what it means to hold fast to the Iron Rod (the Gospel of Jesus Christ).

Later that night, the Wilford Andersen family put on a New Years' Eve party for the kids ages 5-12. Grace and her cousins got to come because their parents were in charge. We played games, made crafts, ate treats and celebrated the New Year in Eastern Time by watching the Ball Drop in New York. Grace still can't stop talking about all her cousins, so it must have been a great bonding experience.