2011 Mardis Family Reunion

Here are some pics from our first annual Mardis Family Reunion, held in Idaho Falls, ID on July 1st through the 5th. Enjoy!
These first three are of our backyard tent campground. There were a few of us there!



Here we're getting ready for one of our many craft projects.

The kids had fun shooting tiny marshmellows at each other - and they shot a LOT!!

Pretty little Boda Belle chillin in the shade of her tree.

While younger brother Steve looks on, Doane "instructs" Jacob on the art of grilling....or something like that...

And yes, the marshmellow wars are STILL going on!

Here's Marylou and Regan, strategizing their plans for decorating their shirts.

Brittni and Jacob finished their shirts - where's everybody else's?

The aftermath of our marshmellow wars....and believe it or not, they were all cleaned up!

Lots more shirts and another tent. Sure wish I woulda had my camera handy to capture everybody wearing their shirts - they were cool!!

Patrick getting ready to share his talent of telling jokes.

Dean just LOVES to show off his toothless grin!

Here's Addie and Aubree's shirts - they are stylishly designed!

The Mardis Brothers, from youngest to oldest:
Nik, Aaron, Chester, Steven, Isaac, Doane, and Russ

The audience enjoing the talent show.

Grandma Susan introducing various acts for the talent show.

Angie, Lou and my feet - aren't they pretty? :)


The M.A.R.D.I.S. C.L.A.N (minus the L)
Marylou, Angie, Russ, Doane, Isaac, Steven, Chester, Aaron, and Nik - what a crew!!


We had a great time at the reunion, and look forward to our next one in 2 years!!

FHE Activities

So here are a few things we've been doing with our good friends, the Volks, for Family Home Evening these last few months...enjoy!


We are learning about "bearing" our testimonies to others.



And here, we're learing about "growing" our testimonies...


And our most recent lesson, we talked about Christ's sacrifice for us. We made a mobile, and "sepulchre" stones...



We had other lessons, but it wasn't until the last few months that I remembered to photo and document our lessons. We even got to do a lesson at the Lybbert's house. That was fun!

I want to express my appreciation to my parents, for setting the example for me to do Family HOme Evenings, and to the Volks (especially Cheryl) for giving me the motivation to do this for my family. And thank you to all my teachers and leaders. You're all the best!!

Beka's Lucy Loulabelle

I have some sad news for my (not very many) followers....our dog, Lucy, ran away on the 7th, and we found out that shortly after she ran off (the little bugger), she was hit and killed by a car. It took the lady who witnessed it almost 3 weeks to call and let us know. We are all very sad, and will miss our little dog suh-um fierce!

Once I get home (and I remember), I'll post pics of her throughout her short 4-year life...cry with me if you want to!