Life at Willis Creek Ranch: Family Reunion 2014

Sunday, August 3, 2014

The photo

Who knew how special this photo would grow to be in our family. It was a random snapshot taken of the cousins in Mama and Daddy's front yard back in 2005. However, something about this photo has made it a favorite in all of our hearts. We determined to recreate it this weekend since we had all of the cousins together in the same place. Imagine my surprise when I was working up the photos and realized that we were within 9 years and 1 day of the original photo! The original was taken on July 27, 2005. The new photos were taken on July 28, 2014! Isn't that neat?

Susanna, James, Jackson, Rachel, Anna, Hannah, Jonathan

The original photo is included in a family history photo book so Candace took on the task of trying to line up 'the kids' in the same way.

I was getting tickled just watching this process!! :)

Everyone definitely noticed that Jonathan had changed the most since the original! :)

We were trying to figure out why Rachel had her arm up and behind her back in the original photo. Then we realized it was because she was trying to bat away Jackson from making bunny ears behind her head! :)

Jackson 'helping' Rachel shield her tummy when her shirt raised up a bit...

Then he wanted to get in on the tummy action, too...

sigh... my boy. (By the way, I LOVE the cousins reactions to his antics! Especially Rachel's face!!) :)

Okay guys, we can do this!

A more literal recreation of the original photo?? ;)

Susanna, James, Jackson, Rachel, Anna, Hannah, Jonathan

And as cousins do, they quickly segued into horsing around and dancing. Of course, James was thrilled about it all... :)

I think it was time to bring Matthew in to the photo! (We sure were sorry that Stephen was unable to come up for the weekend, but he had just started his new job in OK. Glad Rachel was able to come, though!)

Susanna, James, Jackson, Rachel, Stephen, Anna, Hannah, Jonathan

Daddy just loves all of it!!!

I thought the three fellas on the porch looked pretty good, too! :)

Adding Mama to the mix

Daddy and Mama

Rachel and Jonathan saying their good-byes

The youngest and the oldest of the cousins.

You can see an entire album of photos from this 'photo shoot' by clicking here. They are all pretty fun!

Friday, August 1, 2014

Sunday - Family church

Sunday morning of the reunion, as is tradition, we gathered at Julie's for family church. This is a special time and I treasure the opportunity to worship with family. The legacy of love and faith that we share is precious to me.