Gardner Reunion 2008

I really have the best family in the world! This week was the Stan Gardner reunion for the year 2008. The first day everyone settled in and unpacked and then we played games that night. There was a lot of laughter and a lot of catching up. The next day, we went to this little kids waterpark in Lehi. It was so much fun!!! We played watertag and helped the kids learn how to swim.






Sunday night was the most hilarious night we had! We have an old sleeping bag that Nathaniel laid down in and then everyone grabbed sides of it and we started throwing him into the air and catching him in the blanket. We proceeded to do that with all of the adults in our family--including Mom and Dad! With my brother Matt, we got so high, we couldn't keep him in the camera!

We then showed off our acrobatics to each other (well at least the boys did!). The girls then tried to be as cool by showing off how flexible we are. Melodie took the cake on that one!


On Sunday we had a family Sacrament meeting (with permission from our Bishop) and it was one of the most spiritual experiences I've ever had in my life. Everyone who had been on a mission talked about their missions and then the little kids sang "I am a Child of God". Mom and Dad spoke to all of us and then Nathaniel got up to speak. He bore a testimony about how he hadn't felt like he had the strength to go on his mission until this meeting. There were many tears and the spirit was very strong. I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ!


That night we had a fireside given by Grandma and Grandpa Gardner. They came and talked about our geneology because they had just finished a trip to Scotland to learn about our ancestors. It was so awesome!!! I'm a direct descendent from Old King Cole!!! I'm also related to King Henry I (Hopefully not King Henry VIII!!) :) Anyway, it was such an awesome fireside!!



The rest of the time we've had various activities, games, laughter and a TON of food! Tonight we are going to watch my 4-year-old nephew give a cello recital. I am so grateful for my family!! We missed Joel and Heather a ton... (You better be here next time!!!!! It just wasn't the same without you guys!!)

Throughout the reunion, my heart was completely full. I was so full of gratitude for my family and for how much we love each other. I told my Heavenly Father I was grateful for eternal families and I'm excited to be with mine for eternity. When my Mom spoke on Sunday, she talked about the missionaries who knocked on her door when she was 14 years old. I too, am grateful for those missionaries who have made it possible for us to be together.

Finals

It's Finals week.... 'nuff said.

General Conference!

This year was amazing for Women's Chorus! Can you tell I'm excited about it?? :) The BYU Choirs had the awesome opportunity to sing in General Conference this year. Which meant that there was at least one Gardner singing in every session because I have two brothers in The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. :) Anyway, my favorite part of singing was actually the congregational hymn. Very few people have the chance to hear 20,000+ people sing a hymn at them. It truly was a beautiful experience. What a blessing to be able to share my testimony through song with the entire Church.

My good friend, Cade, and me

Also a good friend, Kadee, and me! :)

Swing Dancing!!

Well, apparently the clogging routine didn't scare my choir director away too much!! A few weeks ago, we started putting together our new set of pieces for a next choir concert for the BYU Women's Chorus. One of the sets we decided to perform was a bunch of swing and jazz music (so fun!!!). One of the songs we performed for that set was "In the Mood". I don't know how many of you know that piece, but if you looked it up on itunes, you would recognize it immediately. It's usually done as a band piece, but we sang the choir version.

Sister Applonie had me help with the "choirography" and then asked if I would help put a swing dance routine together. After several rehearsals and a race to find dancers, the dance was put together and it went beautifully!! Caitie, Nathaniel and I all danced in it and when the dancers ran back on stage after the concert, we received a standing ovation. Talk about energy!!!! It was soo much fun!! Here are just a few of the pictures from the concert.