Graff Reunion

There are a lot of Graffs. And we are loud. And all very into each other's lives. And loud.

My dad is the oldest of 7. All his siblings are married and they all have lots of kids. Our reunions are crazy. And amazing. I love that I have a close extended family, even when they drive me crazy.

We had our first reunion in 5 years this summer. We see each other randomly quite often, but it's the first time everyone got all together at once. Although a few people couldn't make it. Including BOTH MY SISTERS WHO ABANDONED ME!!!

It was all at a house in Springville. I wish I had taken pictures of this house. I didn't know houses like this were real. I can't even remember the exact numbers.. but let's just say it was 8 million square feet and 446 bedrooms. Not really, but it seemed like that. We fit all of us in that house, and I could still put Sadie down for a nap and her not hear a sound. There were multiple levels, probably around 4 or 5. But it was an older house, so it wasn't very open, so the halls were long and twisty and there were staircases all over and it was pretty cool. But also easy to get lost. Tons of bedrooms, a giant game room with big screen Tv and pool table, an indoor pool and jacuzzi, an indoor racquetball room, indoor basketball court, a gym, giant kitchen, two dining rooms, 2 living rooms, plenty of space to sit and hang out, huge backyard, tennis court, outdoor basketball court, gazebo, swing-set, a giant playhouse (completely furnished) that looked like a normal house, and a big fire pit. Those are just some of the awesome things in this house. They had one massive room that was just full of bunkbeds. Like.. 20 bunkbeds! It was perfect for the kids.

Anyway, the awesome house aside, it was great to be together! The reunion started on Monday around 4, but we just stayed in Salt Lake that night, then Sadie and I headed up early Tuesday morning and spent the whole day there. Nathan joined us around 4, and we spent the night. We played games and had an awesome dinner. We had a little "gathering" where Nana and Papa talked to us, then we all went around the room and shared the most important thing that had happened to us in the 5 years since the last reunion.

I got super emotional and nostalgic thinking about that. I remember the last reunion well. I had so much fun. Nathan had only been gone 9 months, but it was fun being with all my other single cousins, since Kelsey was the only Graff cousin married at that time. I got a few jabs about being "old and unmarried." Yes, I was only 22 years old. I remember thinking how I couldn't wait to bring Nathan to the next reunion. And that time was here.
When it was our turn to share, we just stood up and I held Sadie up Lion King style. We all laughed, but then I shared that in the last 5 years, I had graduated from college, Nathan had come home from his mission, we had gotten married, Nathan finished his associates and started at Berklee College of Music, I had a successful teaching career, and we had 2 perfect, little girls. That's a lot to happen in 5 years. We are so blessed. I thought a bit about how I should have a 2-year old there with us, but that's okay. Everyone in that room had been so good to us when we lost Madelyn. Even my two cousins who were on mission when it happened had sent us emails and letters. We are lucky to have the family we do.

And with that sentimental rant, here's a million pictures!!

Sadie was passed around pretty much the whole day, which was nice for me. But my sweet cousin, Zach, took her for over an hour. She was kinda in love with him. He's single ladies!!

Spencer really enjoyed his nap

Going on a walk with grandpa

The beginning of a several hour long game of.. I actually don't know what it's called. But there's a word on the phone screen and we have to help the person figure it out

My Aunt Alison was hilarious. She was also really bad at the game, haha.

My sweet cousin, Emma, took Sadie the whole time I was playing the game. Sadie loved it.

My boy, Benny. I have a special bond with this little cousin of mine. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know.

Nathan played around with our new zoom lens. 

When Sadie went to bed, Nathan played an intense basketball tournament, while I sat at the fire with my lady cousins and some aunts and made s'mores. My choice was better.

Madisen trying to copy the statue. Nailed it.

Pooped from their game

We went to bed way too late, but had a lot of fun! Poor Nathan was up at 6 to make the long drive back for work. After the air conditioning hadn't worked well the night before, it was cranked up that second night and we all woke up freezing. So Sadie had some breakfast in bed with grandma.

We all checked out that morning. It was quick, but a wonderful reunion!