Family, Films and Fun

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Happy "65th Birthday to Shauna"
 Dear Family and Friends,
This blog is mostly for our family and for my own personal journal, but if you are so inclined feel free to read.

The first week of our adventure was spent in St. George, Utah.  My sister, Caryn Clark from San Marcos,Texas and our first cousin, Debbie Hoyt from Orderville, Utah spent the week at my sister, Shauna Stephenson's home at our annual Sister Reunion.  This tradition was started after our youngest sister Wendy was killed in an accident in 1984, and we all were together for the funeral - the first time in several years.  We decided then that once a
Shauna, Caryn, Debbie and I at DocUtah
year from that time forward, when possible, we would get together.  It's always a good time!

2 1/2 puzzles completed!
We planned our reunion this year to be at the same time as DocUtah, a documentary film festival at Dixie University.  The films, for the most part, were inspiring, interesting or entertaining.  "Lives Well Lived" about how to get the most out of life was one of our favorites.  "4-Wheel Bob," about a man who hikes trails in the Sierra Nevadas in his wheelchair made me realize the power of the human spirit.  For those of you who are history buffs, you might want to Google "Chrome Dome".  I had heard of this military operation from the Cold War, but had no idea how many
near disasters there were flying B-52 bombers loaded with thermo-nuclear bombs.  This film
was an eye-opener.

Other highlights of the week were a performance of "Singing in the Rain" at the St. George Opera House, and dinner with our friends from our mission, Shanna and Theron Schaefermeyer.  I also appreciated their help when we visited the St. George Family History center.

Shauna was the perfect host for the week, with delicious planned meals and enough puzzles to
keep us busy when we were not watching films.

Cousin Reunion at Thanksgiving Point
Front l-r: Clint Gurney, Brent and Patty Ellsworth, Jack
Kendrick, Back l-r: Randy and Irene Kendrick, Alyssa
Uffenorde, Caryn Clark, Joann Nunly, Lois Blackly
 Brent, Caryn and I left early Saturday morning to drive to the Salt Lake Valley.  Caryn had arranged a mini-reunion with some of our first and second cousins from the Kendrick family.  We had a wonderful time getting reacquainted after a diaspora of decades.  Families are Forever!

Last night we arrived at Alyssa (niece) and Jared Uffenord's home in Herriman.  They graciously allowed us to park our RV in the front of their home until we leave tomorrow.  We have enjoyed being with their family and appreciate the yummy meals, games and BYU game.

Tomorrow Brent and I begin our pioneer trek, following as close as possible our great, great, grandparents route from Florence, Nebraska to the Salt Lake Valley - in reverse.  For those of you who have driven across our country, you might have an appreciation for those who walked the distance, pushing and pulling handcarts for the entire distance.  I'm hoping our grandkids will gain an appreciation and a little knowledge of the sacrifices that were made by family members who came before.  

Happy Trails to all of you as you go throughout your week.  Prayers and thoughts to all who are, or have been, in the path of Harvey or Irma.
Love, Patty

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