40-Year Anniversary

No big cruise. No romantic vacation. But a very nice day! We have had 40 great years together ..... and we still LIKE each other! Since our anniversary came on a Sunday this year, we went to dinner at Maddox and a movie the night before. It was fun to spend some time together and it felt like a REAL date.

Our anniversary flowers. Thanks, family!!

On Sunday, we spent the day with family. Marc and Gretchen came up for the weekend and Mike, Christina & kids, and Matt and Amanda came to spend the day. Late afternoon we all were invited to dinner at Phil & Kristen's. Thanks so much for the good eats!! It made the day complete. Wish Nicci and Chris & boys could have joined us but they, too, had their own celebrating! We love sharing the anniversary day with them!


We were even blessed with a magnificent rainbow after a much needed rain! What a beautiful gift. Hopefully, it holds promises for 40 more years of wedded bliss! (Well, maybe not 40! .... We'd be 100+!) Wouldn't want to wish that on our kids!

Thanks, Mike, for 40 wonderful years!!

From the Fackrell Family Cruiselines

This was the weekend for the infamous Annual Fackrell Family Reunion. It was our turn to host the event and we chose "Fackrell Family Cruiselines Presents" as the theme for the weekend. It was a "dry" cruise with home port in Lehi, Utah at the Willows Park Campground. We boarded "ship" on Friday evening. How I wish I could post all of the pictures taken on my blog, but it would take up pages. I will try to add as many as seems prudent.

Gangplank where all guests (family members) boarded the "ship".

Each guest was given their credentials or passport as they arrived and told that they should "keep it on their person at all times" since they would be checked occasionally during the cruise.

Friday was spent as a "Sea Day" with on deck-dining which was a meal of hamburgers, hot dogs and all of the fixings. We spent the evening visiting and getting ready for the first port on Saturday morning.

The next morning we awoke in port at Mexico. We were met by "native" children selling Chiclets gum, Mexican decorations and even ......

"Juan"

After a breakfast of "breakfast burritos" and pastries, it was on to the activities planned for our Mexico visit. April read a story of "Skippy Jon Jones" while things were made ready for the famous "Fackrell Family Auction".

Our auctioneers, Niccole and Matt, helped to make this a record fund-raising year for the reunion fund.


The family gathered to place their bids for the many contributed articles, both bought and hand-crafted. Grandma Fackrells homemade articles are always "wanted" items that go for the big bucks!

"Some of the auction loot"

And, of course, a Mexican fiesta wouldn't be the same without a pinata. The kids enjoyed trying to smash the "bird".

Caitlin takes a turn to swing.

Noah

Tucker

Caleb gives it a try!

One after another, the kids took their turn trying to get the pinata opened.

While others just wait for the "goods"!

Abigail

Enoch

Some family members took the opportunity to just relax with a little "siesta".

Others caught up on visiting with family members that they hadn't seen for some time.

Niccole, Lorna, Starla and April catch up.

"Grandma 'Five-dollar bill' Fackrell and Elias get re-acquainted.

Everyone seemed to enjoy just being together.

And then we were back to ship again and on our way to our next port .....

Alaska!!! Here we come!

Once again on land we found a luncheon ready for all .... a luncheon of tuna (sandwiches) and numerous finger foods. Yumm!!! Later, everyone was given the opportunity to get a "shaved ice" of many flavors before we continued on our cruise.

Niccole and April help with the shaved ice treats!

Brad convinces Mike that Creme de Mint and half and half is worth trying!

And Hiram just enjoys the icy treat ..... no matter the flavor!

And then on to the final port ...... none other than ..... Hawaii!!!!!

Each cruiser was greeted to the tropical islands with a lei. A luau was the highlight with other fun activities. Everyone wore their Hawaiian attire and a contest was in order. Everyone was to place their vote in a ballot box for the best Hawaiian shirt or clothing.

Annika (so cute!)
Cortnie

Cayanna and Mya

Grandma and Grandpa

Brad

There was a Limbo contest ....

Carissa

"How low can you go??"

OOOOPS!

Tyson caught without his passport. He had to wear "Pirate Teeth" until he could get his credentials again.

Bart

"That's the Limbo Rock"

Oh .... but Tyson is not alone!

Now ... that is one handsome man!!

Come on, Ben, bend those knees! You can do it!

Way to go, Krysta! She also won the best Hawaiian attire! Yeah, Krysta!!!!

The hula contest ......

Noel, Rodona, Grandma and Grandpa show their moves.
(Rodona and Amy became the winners)

Finally, the hula hoopers showed us all how to do it!

Ivan

Gretchen
(not where Ivan learned to use the hoop!)

Even though she had a bit of a disadvantage, Christina had quite the hula and hula hoop moves! Go, girl!

Everyone were soon worn out and ready for Luau food. With Mike Sr. and Richard as cooks, we had a great meal of pork, barbequed chicken, sweet rice, pineapple and a large variety of salads. As always, food was in abundance and was another highlight of the cruise. But isn't that why we all love a good cruise .... cruise food???

The weekend passed quickly and it was wonderful to be able to see those family members that we rarely get to see and visit with. We were able to take many, many pictures and look forward to sharing them in future DVD's and at reunions in the years to come.

Also, a special thanks to "My Assistant Cruise Director"! He saved me many steps by running errands and finding things for me!

Noah

Sunday morning came and we had to say "Adios" and "Aloha" to our loved ones for a short while.

Some were on their way to their homes in Idaho, various places in Utah and even as far as Missouri! Thanks to all for taking time to come to reunite with us ... and for all of your help to make this year's time together memorable! We love you all!!!!

Note:

How about this family tree???