Heap Reunion

This year, I made it a priority to go to the Heap Reunion and I am so glad I did! It was held the last week in July. It has been probably 10 years since I had need to a reunion with Mom's side of the family. The reunion is always up by Green's Peak in the White Mountains of Arizona. Everyone thinks Arizona is all desert and cactus but this area is one of the most beautiful places on earth (in my opinion).
It always rains and is green and lush and this year was no different. It was a welcomed change from the summer heat in Utah. I love the monsoon season with its rain and thunderstorms.
Lindsey, Marc, Mom, Dad, and Michelle also camped along with several of my aunts, uncles, and cousins that I haven't seen in years.
We started out by spending a few days in St. Johns, giving John his first snowcone, you know, teaching him the ways. Arizona has the most amazing sunsets too! I just love where I grew up.
This was also John's first camping trip! He did awesome! We camped for two nights and he ended up sleeping on the ground in between Zac and I. He loved being outside.
We had a horseshoe and cornhole tournament and sadly, Zac and I did not fare well in either one.
The last night we were there, my cousin, Ben, put together a little program where my Mom and her siblings answered questions about what it was like to grow up in St. John's and on my grandpa's ranch. It was so neat to hear all of their stories and perspectives. I also learned that the Heap family reunion had been going on for over 100 years up in those mountains. It is so cool to think that my ancestors once camped and played in the same area to for vacations and to get out of the summer heat.
Until next time......

~Pre-reunion in St. Johns~

~Heap Reunion~

Aunt Peggy, Mom, Aunt Susan, Uncle Steve, Uncle Brian

Cassie, Me, Melanie 

Michelle didn't want her picture taken because she was eating breakfast. :) 

All ready for his first camping experience!