Today's Dreams. Tomorrow's Adventures.: Hazard Reunion 2011

About a month ago, I was in California, camping, relaxing, and playing with cousins, and enjoying the annual Hazard Reunion. Of course, I could write extensive details about how much fun this week was. I could write about every little thing that we did. All the memories we made, and how much I love each person that was there. But instead, for all our sakes, I am just going to write about some of the highlights. And even that is going to get quite lengthy, so bare with me. Just know that every minute of every day was a blast. In retrospect, I can even say that freezing my feet off while listening to what might have been Big Foot prowling around my tent in the middle of the night was fun. Or at least a memory :)

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On our way to California, we stopped in Flafstaff, Arizona (my new dream town) and stayed in a hotel for the night. In the morning, we got ready and headed for the Grand Canyon.

Of course, people always talk about how amazing the Grand Canyon is, but I guess I never really imagined how crazy it is until I was standing there looking at it. It is HUGE! This is one thing that I can honestly say took my breath away. It may be cliche, but it's true.

To help you get an idea of how big it is... look at the person in this picture. He's standing on the rocks on the left. He's that tiny black speck.

We drove all day and got to Aunt Betty and Uncle Kimball's house that night. It was fun to see them again. I think that Aunt Betty is one of the funniest people I know. And one of the best cooks. It was a very short visit, but very fun.

Finally in Bakersfield!

The next morning was the official first day of the Hazard Reunion. That afternoon, we drove on some very exciting roads to a campsite called Big Meadows. Our site was surrounded by huge pine trees. I had forgotten how soothing it is to sit in the silence and listen to the wind blow through big pine trees like these ones. Right on the other side of all these trees was a big meadow. Anyway, we spent lots of time around the fire, talking, arguing, reminiscing, scaring people about big foot (Donnie) and laughing. It really doesn't get better than that. In my opinion.

Here I am recovering from one of the coldest nights of my life.

Here are the big trees. And there is Tanner-- waaaaay up there

Cousin love

Grandpa retrieving his boxers :)

He's such a good sport.

I was challenged to make a spear out of a stick. Here I am attempting.

This is Grandma washing Jeffrey. There were lots of "accidents" going on.

Here is my team for the scavenger hunt, and yes we did win, in at least one of the areas :) We had a fun time, and had lots of fun in the car!

Of course we had to play at least one wiffle ball game. There were only a few minor injuries.

I have always wanted to go see the redwoods. On our second day, we went to see the 100 Giants. They were incredible! And so pretty!

I'm standing in a tree!

Girl cousins!

Later that night we went to some natural water slides. They were very pretty, and they looked like lots of fun. If only the water wasn't freezing cold, I might have done it :) It was only for the very brave.

My dad is so brave.

Tough, tough people

The next day we went rafting down the Kern. My cousin Donny and his wife Alyssa have a river running company (Runoff River Adventures) and we got to take part in it on this particular day. It was lots of fun. For most people. But not all, right, Natalie? :)

While we waited for everyone else to get done, we spent our time learning about Justin Bieber and Celina Gomez. FYI they are the richest couple in Hollywood right now. I love People Magazine.

We also passed the time by playing basketball, sleeping, swimming, and just hanging out.

It was a very good day.

On the last day of our reunion, my grandma, Aunt Leslie, Sierra and I went to LA to pick Krystalee up from the the airport. After we got her, we went to eat at a Mexican Restaurant called Baja Fresh in Beverly Hills. It was seriously the best Mexican I have ever had! I still think about it! After lunch we went to the street mall in Santa Monica and then headed to the beach.