We like to travel!

Someone made a crabby comment to me recently about our travels. Seems I irked someone by sending our Christmas greetings and detailing where we went last year. I'm not going to stop traveling and I probably won't stop putting that info in our Christmas letters because many more kind, genuine, non-jealous, loving friends commented on how great it is we do get to travel here and there.

I grew up in Springville, Utah. I didn't get on a plane until I was 19. I didn't leave the United States until I was 28 (the 4-minute trip into Tijuana when I was about 12 doesn't count). Even still, the trip at 28 was one my friend Leslee and I won to Acapulco and I didn't travel abroad again for quite a few years. I think that trip did it though - getting on a plane and being somewhere totally different and exotic just a few hours later, seeing new things, meeting local people of a different country, eating the food of the area - I was hooked. Yet we really didn't travel much until we moved to Utah 12 years ago - picking up Jason from Taiwan and Andrea from Argentina, going to Tahiti for Riley's research and traveling to other countries with Riley for bug meetings. In fact, we've only taken two trips that weren't tied to bug meetings, research, a contest win or picking up missionaries - that was Paris in 2010 and England last year.

This is something Riley and I enjoy - traveling to a new country, seeing new sights, taking pictures, making new memories and hopefully new friends. We aren't "thing" people - we don't buy all the latest gadgets, we don't drive new cars, we are pretty frugal people. We save up Skymiles and find other ways to be frugal even when traveling. Riley travels a lot more than I do yet the past two years I've been able to get away about 20 days of the year. That leaves 345 days here at home to take care of our needs, my 82-year-old mother's needs (and there are quite a few under her umbrella), our cabin, my job, my church callings, helping in my neighborhood and town, working on personal goals and just generally trying to keep up with all the demands. Traveling also lets me get away from demands. It lets me rest my brain from all the "needs" here at home. I think I am due that once in a while.

I won't grant anyone the chance to make me feel bad for leaving for 20 days a year because they think it's unfair or they don't get to or they are jealous or whatever their reason is. We aren't wealthy people but we are blessed with a wealth of good friends and abundant memories, some made in distant lands. That's part of the fun of life, isn't it, to explore?

Goals for 2012

I checked my goals last year - waste less food - check; put pictures on blog - mostly check; write one thank you note a week - that lasted a month. Oh well. Two out of three isn't bad. This year my goal is to write my book about my contest wins. I have it started. I just need to carve out time once a week to work on it. I have other goals like going to the temple more each month and writing in my journal every day. (I've written every day so far since Dec. 31.) And getting on the computer less which means having time to write in my journal and go to the temple. Good luck to me! What are your goals?

A fabulous celebration

Todd's mom Debby is in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and gave us tickets to Sunday's performance of Music and the Spoken Word. Riley, Todd, Amy and I got to go and see that plus a mini-concert similar to the ones they performed the previous three nights. It was magnificent! (And sitting next to Amy and Todd after five months apart was a treat too!)

There were several things that touched my heart. One is the way you feel the Spirit through music. What a beautiful gift music is! The choir, the orchestra, the guest tenor Nathan Gunn and the cool people with the bells (I want to be one of those people!) all added to the magic of the night. I don't remember the production's final song but it ended on such a crescendo that my heart was bursting with happiness. It was amazing.

Another thing that impressed me was Jane Seymour, the narrator for the night. She read her scripted parts and told the wonderful story of Good King Wenceslas. I've sung this song at Christmas but have never understood the story. As the choir sang and Jane narrated, the words to the song were on large screens so it was easy to follow along:

Good King Wenceslas looked out,
On the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night,
Tho' the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
Gath'ring winter fuel.

"Hither, page, and stand by me,
If thou know'st it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain;
Right against the forest fence,
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh, and bring me wine,
Bring me pine logs hither:
Thou and I will see him dine,
When we bear them thither."
Page and monarch, forth they went,
Forth they went together;
Thro' the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather.

"Sire, the night is darker now,
And the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
Mark my footsteps, good my page;
Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod,
Where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
Which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
Shall yourselves find blessing.

The message is of giving and receiving blessings in return - perfect for Christmas but one we should remember every day, not just during this season. Before Jane gave this reading she gave an impromptu speech about her feelings of being a part of the choir's production and how she loves Christmas but being a part of this made it so much better - that she felt something as she participated. What she felt was the Spirit and knowing that she will carry that with her is such an amazing blessing for her as well as a missionary tool, for her and others she will tell. Anyone who has ever felt the Spirit through word or song, especially in such a powerful way, cannot deny it. She pointed out to the audience that the choir, orchestra and many others are volunteers. She was amazed at that yet it is a wonderful common trait in LDS members to do just that, give of our time and talents.

The tickets to the event were free so much of the production had no cost attached. Yet there are those who are paid - the production crew who have these jobs to support their families. And there would have been cost for the grand decorations - the banners, castle scenes and costumes. So the Church puts on this magnificent production (and many others) to bring joy to people and have the Spirit enter their hearts through music and thoughtful words. I'm glad I live here and have access to these kinds of events and I'm thankful to Debby for giving us the tickets. The events of that morning gave me good things to think about for a long time. Merry Christmas!

A few of my favorite things

This time of year brings mixed feelings for me but luckily the positive feelings outweigh the negative. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1) The smell of a live tree. I get kidded about having a live tree since I am all for environmentalism. I've even told Riley we could get a fake tree but he doesn't like that idea. So we buy a real tree. The thing that brings me the most joy is the smell. I love walking into my living room and having that smell. It reminds me of my childhood and of being in the woods with my dad. If we are ever driving through a pine forest, I roll the window down to breathe in the smell. Heaven.

2) Christmas lights. I don't care what color they are although I am partial to white. I love the twinkles, I love the brilliancy, I love the way it makes the night look different. Do we put them on our house? No. But I do love looking at other people's. And with our tree in the sunroom windows it always looks cheerful and bright against the darkness outside.

3) Thinking of what to buy people I love. I've scaled back a lot in the past few years. I think a few well-chosen, thoughtful gifts are enough. Kids don't need 20 things to open - they will only remember a few anyway so make them meaningful and long lasting, not plastic junk or dollar store crud. Then, with list in hand, I head out to stores or get online (see number 4) to find those special gifts.

4) Online shopping - what a wonderful invention! Surf, click, buy, open door, pick up box. LOVE it.

5) Food and baking - this starts before Thanksgiving when I start making pies. I don't make pecan pies very often but at Thanksgiving and Christmas they are a comfort food. So are jam thumbprints, pretzel/rolo turtles, and anything with chocolate - especially toffee! Mmmmm, my favorite.

6) Wearing Christmas-y things. Many years ago I had some pretty cheesy sweaters, vests and jewelry - you know the ones with big lightbulbs and lots of hanging ornaments. Someone could probably borrow those things now for "ugly Christmas sweater" parties. I even had a red and green sequined bow tie I wore. Laugh. Now, I have a few beloved Christmas pins - one is a silver Nativity scene, very small and precious; several are angels and one is my grandma Wheeler's Santa pin - antique with a soft white beard. I am careful with that one because it is old. I wear them with nice, plain white or red sweaters. In this case, less is more. My opinion. Others can wear what they want and I will smile.

7) I like how kind people are at this time of year. People in lines are a little nicer to each other, clerks greet customers more and wear elf and Santa hats, I get fun letters and cards in the mail, I get gifts from unexpected people (and I've learned to just say thank you and enjoy them, I don't have to stress about giving them a gift).

8) Christmas music. I am an "after Thanksgiving" listener. When I finally do turn on the Christmas music, I find joy in the words, melodies and messages. When else during the year can you hear "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me," or a lively version of "Sleigh Ride" - my personal favorite, on the radio? Christmas songs are joyful, you can understand the words and sing along. And most renditions are beautiful. Except that grandma/reindeer song.

9) Traditions - I love our family traditions: videotaping Riley bringing in the Christmas tree, making our favorite foods, stuffing Christmas stockings for my kids (still), making peppernuts with friends, reading the Christmas story on Christmas eve, eating ebilskivers on Christmas morning, playing a new family game, watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and so many others.

10) Snow. I love looking out the window in the morning to see new fallen snow. It's so quiet and makes everything look clean. And even though I like warm weather over cold, I like different aspects of winter - especially the definite changes from one season to the next.

And, last but not least, I love what this season represents - the birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ. What an amazing plan to send a tiny baby to earth - to learn, grow, teach and carry out his Father's plan. I have a deep abiding love for my elder brother and his mission on this earth. It's not a fairy tale or fable, it's not a conjured up story, it's reality. And keeping that in the forefront of my mind means I will have Christmas with me all the year through, not just this month.

Merry Christmas friends and family! If you read this, leave a comment on what some of your favorite things are during this season!

Thanksgiving thoughts 2011

I'm baking pies today. I have the bread for the dressing ready. All of tomorrow's meal ingredients are in the fridge or on the counter. The table cloth and decorations are ready for the table. The rolls are ready to be picked up at Shirley's this afternoon. And the house will get cleaned today, well, presentable enough for guests tomorrow.

Before the real hubbub hits where I am actually doing the things on the to-do list, I want to list some things I am thankful for this year, in no particular order.

My mom. I love my 82-year-old mother. She has suffered some life setbacks the last three years but she is still here, still happy and still a joy to be around.

Riley. He is my best friend, my anchor, my favorite person to spend time with, my sweetheart and eternal date. He makes me laugh, holds me when I cry, makes life interesting and sees things in the world I don't see unless he points them out. He truly has a sense of wonder.

My children. I love being a mom. I love the memories I have of each of my children as they've made their way through life. They are remarkable people with gifts of intelligence, humor and love.

The gospel of Jesus Christ. The older I get the more I love the teachings of my Savior. I have a believing heart and know that even though we don't have all the answers here, we will someday and I will remain true and faithful so I can receive all the blessings that are in my personal little box on a shelf in heaven's closet.

My sister, or sissy. We have lots of memories during my lifetime. I'm glad I had an older sister to play with, borrow clothes from, laugh with and love. We've been through hard times and good times together, each making us stronger women. She is my friend.

My brothers. Although they live in different states, we talk or email several times a month. They check in to see if I am still sane. They offer support and listen to my occasional rants. Each holds a different place in my heart with different memories through my life. I love each of them.

My brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, my nieces and nephews and their kids. I love being an aunt and great aunt to so many cute kids! I love that some live nearby but that others stop through on their way to someplace else or that we keep in touch by social network or snail mail. My life is blessed by each of them.

My job. I love working at The Daily Universe at BYU. It's so fun to work with bright, young minds. It's wonderful to feel the spirit of each student as they decide what to do with their lives. I have more than 500 new friends from my years in the newsroom - some just brushed my life for a moment, others have become lifelong friends. And my co-workers are easy-going, helpful, humorous people who I enjoy being around. I'm blessed to have a job, or another home, to go to every day.

Food. I love food. I love it so much there's more of me to love these days. Sigh. I love the pecan pies that just came out of the oven and the pumpkin pies that are baking now. I love turkey and dressing. I love sweet pickles and rolls. I don't love vegetables but I like them and will eat them because I know they are good for me. I love bagels, strawberry jam, Hawaiian pizza, enchiladas, chocolate, licorice, ice cream, taco salad and omelets. I love eating out. I love when people feed me. I love potlucks. And most of all, I love eating good food with friends. Maybe that's why I love food so much - it's not really the food itself but the venue and company that goes along with it.

My home. We've lived in this home for more than 12 years now - the longest we've ever lived in any home. We've owned two homes during our marriage (not counting the mobile home which I loved too) and as soon as I walked into both of them, I knew they would be ours. I loved our Texas home on Bill   Hughes Road where we lived from 1992-1999. This home in Provo, though, is probably where we'll spend the rest of our days. I love the airiness of the kitchen, living room and sunroom. I think it's an inviting place, a great house to host parties. Eleven years ago we hosted Thanksgiving the day after my dad's funeral. We had 36 people that year! And the kitchen opens up onto a patio where we've had birthdays, graduation parties, barbecues, scout and young women activities, neighborhood get-togethers and more. Riley and I enjoy our TV room with the 52" TV and dual recliners - some gifts we gave ourselves the past few years. I like our Tahitian-themed bedroom and my Wizard of Oz kitchen. Our walls are adorned with mementos of travels to Taiwan, Mongolia, Sweden, Denmark, Paris, Argentina, Australia and Tahiti. Whether there is a group of 36 or just me, I enjoy being in my house.

Memories - I am thankful for so many wonderful memories. I love my childhood - it was magical. I loved being a teen-ager and the friends I had in high school. Kelly and I played a few shenanigans back then and we still reminisce and laugh. I'm grateful for friends I made at college - we get together with a group from our days in the early '80s at USU twice a year. We lived in Provo from 1983-1988 and made wonderful friends in Rivergrove 3rd ward - another group I call once a year or so to have lunch and catch up with. Our years in California and Texas brought more friends into our lives, especially our 10 years in Texas. I have memories of meals shared, trips taken, traditions started, church events and our children growing up with good lifelong friends made in Texas, some at my old job at Purchase Power. Even the years here brought new faces and fun to my life - girl's camp, our neighborhood, having family nearby, having friends who are really more like family nearby, getting reacquainted with my great aunts and cousins and those I've worked with at Canyon Crest Elementary and BYU. My cup floweth over!

I could probably write many more paragraphs about other things I am thankful for - having an organized mind (could be a curse too ...); loving to make indelible, sometimes crazy memories; being able to make things happen (like the SHS band playing for my mom's 80th birthday); winning contests; my dad who I miss; warm jammies; Riley's amazing job and our opportunities to travel the world; being close to mountains and desert; knowing I'll be a grandma in 2012! So many blessings, so many things to be thankful for.

Now for that to-do list ...

A prophet in person

I don't go to the BYU devotionals very often. I usually watch them in the newsroom on a big screen TV. Riley goes every week (unless it is some dance thing) and sits in the same area. He saved me a seat this past Tuesday so I could be in the same room with our prophet, Thomas S. Monson. While I was still quite a ways away from him, I could feel his spirit. I could feel the Spirit. In a room that large with probably 20,000 people, I could still feel the Spirit. It was uplifting.

President Monson is a jovial man. He tells stories. He must have hundreds of stories, some of which we've heard several times. Tuesday he told three stories I've never heard before. One was of a man who went to Oxford to continue his education. He decided he wanted to read the Book of Mormon again to know for sure it was true. He had read it seven times before, all at the request of someone else - seminary teacher, mission president, etc. This time it was his decision. His schedule was busy but he decided to devote an hour from 11 p.m. to midnight every day to reading the Book of Mormon. He lived in a drafty, cold building built in the 1400s and had just a small space heater in his room. He would kneel in prayer before reading and after, to ask about the truthfulness of the book. He said as he neared the end of 2nd Nephi, he got the most encompassing, warm feeling in his room. He was overcome with a realization the book was true. He received an answer to his prayers.

Another story told of a Catholic woman who used to be a Morman basher. She wrote President Monson to make him aware of two wonderful LDS men who cared for her sister as she lost her husband. The neighbors of this sister brought in meals and the men cared for the man who was dying. She was amazed at the love and care these men gave her sister's husband and commended our church.

The third story was about a young missionary serving in Canada. He grew ill and had to have surgery. He was placed in a hospital ward with six beds, one man to each bed. As he laid in his bed he taught the other five men about the gospel. On surgery day, the young missionary was taken away. A hospital worker brought breakfast in to the remaining five men. One by one they said they weren't eating that day or they weren't hungry. The woman stood before them, hands on hips, and asked what was going on. The men responded they had been taught by the young man about prayer and fasting and were fasting for him as he had surgery. The young man survived the operation.

I love our prophet. I love his gentle ways, his faith promoting stories and his love for all people, not just Latter-day Saints. He leads the Church on earth and receives guidance from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to help us all be better people, to be more Christ-like, to be good stewards of this earth and most importantly, to return to our Father.

Being in the same room with a modern day prophet helped my testimony grow. I'm glad I made the effort to actually be in the building that day.

The Wheeler Family Reunion 2011

 The 17th Wheeler Family Reunion

July 29 - 31, 2011

Wheeler cabin, sawmill, ranch, Pinon Cove, Grandpa’s place

Greeted by a “BELL OUT OF ORDER, PLEASE KNOCK” sign and the ugly remains of a witch who got squashed by the cabin, all the Young in Heart came together for the latest Wheeler Family Reunion.

The weekend began with dinner from Kaye and the flying monkeys: ham from Uncle Henry’s pigs, corn on the cob from the Scarecrow’s cornfield (he never could keep the crows away), Tinman Hearts of Romaine salad with Poppyseed dressing, twisted taters, green melted witch punch and for dessert - crullers - “here, can’t work on an empty stomach, have some crullers” - Aunt Em.

We gathered Friday night, visited, hugged and played games - Chinese checkers and nertz, of course. That evening we got a visit from Josh Wheeler and bride-to-be Kensie Brown who stopped on their way to Washington. It was a quick visit but at least we all got to give our nod of approval (which Josh needed, of course) to his choice of companion. We also had to warn Kensie of the craziness she was marrying in to, but it was too late - she was already clued in. Big time.

Saturday morning Paul and the beautiful people of Emerald City created Emerald’s Diner for breakfast - cubes of lovely green jeweled melon, scrambled monkey brains, Toto doggie treat sausages, the most delicious poppy field yummy bread ever and liquid courage. It started off a memorable day.

The Astlings arrived and many wanted to hear Lisa’s story of her harrowing four-wheeler accident a few weeks before. As Lisa told the details of her accident and the many amazing miracles that came into play for her rescue, tears flowed and a huge group hug entailed. We are happy she wasn’t hurt worse than she was and that the little girls Jara and Tessa, weren’t hurt much at all. And we’re glad Jed has superhuman strength and came to her rescue!

Then it was off for Oz-related games and fun!

Kathy and Paul mixed up the group in an “Over the Rainbow” color game where the color blue was yelled out a lot so the Mead girls could chase Devin and the Astling boys.

Kaye had an Oz competition where teams had to build a scarecrow, throw Over the Rainbow colored balls into tubs, put an Oz puzzle together, and dress a good witch (Sabryna) and a bad witch (Julia) and carry them to their thrones. The winners got Smarties for having the brains of the Scarecrow and the runners-up received Sour patch candies for having the courage of the Lion.

Grandma provided midday snacks of ‘Dorothy’s red chews’ (licorice), monkey eyeballs (grapes), a yellow brick road (cheese and crackers) with haunted forest greenery (broccoli and peas), and yellow brick road mix (trail mix).

 









Grandma’s Over the Rainbow fishing pond was a hit several times with kids and adults fishing for fluffy purses, eyeball glasses, whirly bird sky toys, punch balls and more.

During the weekend we had Steph and Dell’s puppies at the cabin, lizards galore and even a rattlesnake Riley caught and showed to the interested yet cautious masses. Puppies, lizards and rattlesnakes, OH MY!

 














Since several birthdays were taking place during the reunion a lovely hot air balloon cake was made and presented to DJ and Julia, complete with the birthday song and a BIG surprise - a silly string salute to celebrate birthdays but also to initiate Ju into the family. Bwa ha ha.

DJ was also begging to get a little bit wet so Jan obliged. It didn’t start the humongous water fight of years past, thank goodness, just got DJ a bit soggy.

 












There was an Oz coloring contest where participants could choose to color Dorothy, her sidekicks or the Wicked Witch of the West. As usual there were strange entries (the lion with nun chucks) but in the end Emma’s picture of the Tinman finally finding true love beat out all the rest. She received a large Lollipop Kid giant lollipop.

Brandy gave grandma a lovely pedicure and Ju had fun painting glittery pictures on anyone who wanted one.

Riley, Jason and Dell worked to fix the front porch rock which was teetering a bit and Riley and Mark fixed two beds upstairs that only people grandpa Poulson's height could use because of the foot boards. Now the beds are higher and tall folks can sleep in them!

A few gunslingers headed over to the woodshed to show off some shooting skills. They all did so well everyone returned.

During the afternoon groups of family members gathered in areas around the cabin and yard to color, catch up, share stories, watch twins Chase and Chloe roll around, throw colored balls, run through the sprinklers and enjoy each other’s company. While there’s tons of fun at a Wheeler Family Reunion it’s these precious moments where we get to reconnect that are most treasured.

Brett and the Winkie guards fixed a delicious meal for dinner.  If we had known exactly what we were eating we might have stolen Emma’s sucker. We had lion balls with witch’s hair (spaghetti and meatballs), scarecrow salad, Winkie soldier sweat, yellow bricks, Munchkin turds (really quite tasty), Flying Monkey dandruff (I think it was Brett’s actually), and Tinman oil.

The Wheeler Reunion skits were memorable for the strange twists each group gave to how the Wizard of Oz might have turned out if the Wheeler family had skewed the original script. With light showers and darkness looming outside the skits were held in the dining area after a bit of furniture relocation.

Kaye and the flying monkeys produced a rap worthy of signing to Atlantic records with a 30-line synchronized, hip-hop version of the whole movie. The flying monkeys were almost as frightening as the real ones but a little bored with the whole thing, wanting, in the end, dinner, a new shirt and to just go play nertz.

The Paul Wheeler family’s version had an evil Tinman trying to chop Dorothy in half at the sawmill because he was jealous she would miss Scarecrow more than him and he should have asked for social etiquette instead of a heart which made him feel jealousy and rage! Dorothy, luckily, was able to get back home before she lost her head.

 

The Brett Wheeler bunch had a group therapy session where Auntie Em tried to get to the bottom of each person’s character flaws. There was a bare-chested Tinman hitting on Glinda, a large rear-ended Wicked Witch, a Wizard with a lantern growth, a funky scarecrow, a bored Dorothy and more. 

 













The Gray/Mead families provided an entertaining fashion show with Mr. Jorge (Hor-hay) describing each lovely Wizard of Oz fashion piece including a dramatic lion, a Wal-Mart greeter Glinda, an errant goose, a teen Dorothy and other Oz characters taking the runway to strut their lovely Oz fashions.

Between acts a few Wizard of Odds troupe members provided entertainment.

Marc and Ju performed an interpretive dance number to Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Marc and DJ leg wrestled. I’m pretty sure DJ’s strength had melted earlier in the day when Jan got him wet so Marc was declared the winner.

 













The grand finale was, of course, grandma Wheeler and her moral to the story. Dressed as the Wicked Witch of the West grandma introduced us to several animals who helped Dorothy find her way home to her auntie Em - first, a repeating toucan who hollered “Auntie Em, Auntie Em,” a flying monkey who wanted to screech rather than fly and finally a not-so-cowaradly lion who Aweem-o-wayed his way into our hearts. These friends helped Dorothy find her way home. The moral to grandma’s story was that her home is always open to all her family. To help drive that point home she sang a beautiful song called “Always” which, thanks to Marc and Brett, can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTkSRw72ROk

I'll be loving you, oh always
With a love that's true always.
When the things you've planned
Need a helping hand,
I will understand Always.

Always.

Days may not be fair always,
That's when I'll be there always.
Not for just an hour,
Not for just a day,
Not for just a year,
But always.

No matter where we roam, grandma will love us, always.

Brett had a surprise award for Kaye, pointing out her brains, heart and courage for creating such a memorable Oz-filled reunion. The award - a yellow brick with “One brick short” written on it. Such a nice reflection on himself for Kaye to remember. 





The last activity of the night, before a final game of nertz, was an Oz trivia family feud contest, provided by the Mead/Gray families. Wheeler family members were pitted against each other in a duel of Oz wits. A sample question was “How did they make the horse change colors?” Only true Oz aficionados know the answer to that one! And of course, Kaye won.

Breakfast Sunday was by Jan and the munchkins: We had a yellow brick road made of Twinkies, Wicked Witch of the East eyeballs, heart of the Tinman, Courageous Lion pieces, straw chunks from the Scarecrow, Home Sweet Home juice and Witch’s earwax. Or Brett’s - couldn’t tell.

Those who stayed to the very end got to beat the crap out of Toto. Or a piñata that looked a lot like Toto. That was the final event before we all packed up into our individual hot air balloons and broomsticks and flew back over the Oz landscape to everywhere west, south and north of Kansas because as we all know, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

Before flying off everyone pitched in to help clean the cabin from top to bottom which was very appreciated. Many hands make light work!

A roster of family members who were at the reunion for either a short time or from beginning to end: Brett, Gayle, Emma, DJ, Anissa, Ethan, Addison, Austin, Marc, Julia and Josh Wheeler and Kensie Brown; Paul and Kathy Wheeler, Mark, Lisa, Spencer, DJ and James Astling; Loni, Devin, Tessa, Chase and Chloe Watson; Jan and McKade Gray, Teighlor Hart, Dell, Stephnie, Sabryna, Mychigan, Daisy, Ryver and Sawyer Mead; Riley, Kaye, Jason and Brandy Nelson and grandma Sherry Wheeler.

The next Wheeler Family Reunion will most likely be July 26-28, 2013. Who will be in charge? We’ll have to look into the witch’s crystal ball to see … better be ready … it might be YOU!

See my facebook page for many more reunion pictures!!