July 2023 Part 1: Ramona's Wedding

On July 1, after making the hour and a half drive from Star Valley to my mom's house in Ririe, I got cleaned up and headed over to my grandparent's house to start shooting Ramona's wedding. I felt a bit frazzled, but tried to focus and do a good job. I started with some details, and then shot their first look: 

These are some of my favorite moments from weddings. It's just a quiet moment with the bride and groom before the ceremony and celebrations happen, before they get to share all their moments with everyone else. I love watching the groom tear up looking at his bride in her gown for the first time on their big day. First looks are just for them, and I get to be there as a mostly silent witness. Dave did not disappoint! He was so emotional seeing her. I'm so glad she has someone to love her and cherish her that much! My aunt Ramona is incredibly special to me. 

After the first look, we got to work on the formal portraits. We started small and then built to all the Linvilles. Here are the O.G.s.  (Back row, left to right: Jeff, Jon, Ramona, Trina, Leta, Rick; front row: Stanley and Sharon). I just realized that the back row is in reverse age order. I must have done that one purpose. 

The O.G.s with the bonus kids (aka the in-laws) (left to right) Jeff and Julie (Julie's in the front row on the chair), Jon & Rebekah, Dave and Ramona, Doug & Trina, Mom, Rick & Peggy (front row, far right), with my grandparents on the front row in the middle. 

I was a little frustrated that when it came time for all of us to get in the picture, someone had just sent my cousin Nate to go get more ice for the reception. Someone joked that I could just photoshop him in, which kind of irritated me (they don't realize the time it takes to do that.) But, what could I do? I have many regrets about this picture. I wish I'd have grabbed more chairs for people to sit on and pulled the group in more. I wish I had kids sit on the ground in front of my grandparents, and I wish I had people move the chairs that were set up for the ceremony. Looking at this picture below, you're probably thinking, "What chairs?" Well, my regrets meant that I spent days photoshopping the chairs out, photoshopping my Aunt Margie out because I had to shoot this so wide because I posed it poorly, and yes, adding my cousin Nate into the back because I know how rare and important these photos are. Here's the finished product of the whole Linville Clan that could make it. (Unfortunately, I'm not sure the names of everyone here. I guess I have some homework to do). 

I didn't have to do as much work on this one, but I did add Nate to the side. This is my grandparents with all their grandkids and great-grandkids that were present. 

After I got all the official family portraits, I grabbed our "Camp Chadwick" picture. We were just missing Thomas and Heather (and I guess Heather's husband whose name I can't remember), as well as Jackson and Wyatt. We're all a little more casual that we like to be at weddings, but we thought this wedding was a more casual affair. Oops!  In all our defense, we were just basically camping sooooo....

Right after we took these pictures, the wind picked up and it started to rain. Everyone rushed to shelter the food, collapse the canopies so they didn't get damages, and save the decor, as well as get umbrellas! 

There was some debate about what to do...should we move to a different location or wait it out? Ramona laughed through it and we opted to wait it out. The weather didn't stay that way for long. 

After drying all the chairs, we got everyone seated and the ceremony started. I recruited Brian to be my second shooter because he does a great job. 

My Uncle Rick performed the ceremony. 

There were tears and there was laughter. 

After the ceremony, we had a delicious dinner. I ate by my uncle Rick and Aunt Peggy. I don't see them as much, so it was nice catching up with them and my cousin Jake. I reminisced about how Aunt Peggy and my Dad would laugh so loud at family gatherings, and how I loved that so much, and Aunt Peggy said, "I miss that guy."

After scarfing some food, I tried to capture all the guests, but I'm only including the ones with my favorite people. 

Here's Zandra, Cal, and Cassidy. 

And I got someone to take it with me in it. If we had Bryce, we would have had the four best frog catchers back together. We were quite the posse back in the day. 

I also got someone to take a picture with me and this amazing aunt of mine. Seriously, she was just the coolest growing up. She inspired me to try to be the fun aunt. I'm not sure how successful I am, but she was for sure a fun aunt. 

I loved this snapshot of Grandma with Evie. Fun fact, I made this dress for Heather to wear at my wedding. 

Chelsea and Grandpa always had a special relationship growing up, so I loved catching this moment of the two of them together. 

And I can never pass up an opportunity to take a picture with Grandpa either. 

Evie is obsessed with Erika! 

Here's Emily and Pete. 

Here's another cousin crew: (left to right) Sandy Linville Bland, Amy Linville Zollinger, Mom, Trina Maras, Laurel Linville LaFrance, Ramona.  

My Aunt Julie and Aunt Rebekah planned the whole reception. Julie did all the floral arrangements, and she was so excited to do fresh flowers for the first time. She did such a great job making this backyard wedding so classy! After the reception, she was sending flowers home with everyone, and I had to decline because we had no room in our van! 

I'm so happy for Aunt Ramona and Dave. They've been together for a long time--years!--and it's good to have him be officially and legally part of our crew. 

While I was wrapping up shooting, Brian gathered our kids and stuff back up, and then when I was all finished, he picked me up and we headed home. It was a late night, and I culled images a good chunk of the way, but it was good to get home, even though the hour was late. Shooting this wedding was a good reminder why I've barely picked up my camera since my A-fib diagnosis--it just requires more mental focus and physical energy than I usually have. It was nice to be able to give something back to my aunt who has done so much for me. Hopefully she loves all her photos! 

Camp Chadwick 2023 Part 3: Last Night and Morning

At one point during the reunion, my frustrations with life got the better of me and I went on the longest, fastest power walk that I've done since getting diagnosed with Afib. It felt so nice to pound out all my anger and frustration without getting lightheaded, going into Afib, or keeling over. After calming back down, I headed back to camp, feeling a little sheepish for losing it, and when I was still a little bit away from Camp, I saw Cal approaching me to check on me and bring me back. (He insisted he would go when Brian started to go get me). I told him how frustrated I get that there's always someone that gets grumpy about things I plan and how I wish we all got along better, and he said, "Devri, we're all here. Take the win!" Now, as I look back on this last reunion, that's what stands out. We were all there; we prioritized it. 

We've all got a fair amount of orneriness, hotheadedness, stubbornness, but when it comes down to it, we're there for each other. We may be mad at each other and hold some grudges, but when push comes to shove, we're all incredibly, fiercely loyal to each other and will show up when we're needed. We joke about the Chadwick Mafia--you mess with one of us and you get the whole crew ready to come at you!-but it's not too far from the truth. We will never win family of the year, but this family has been my biggest supporters for my entire life, and I love all of them--the O.G.s, the in-laws, and all my nieces and nephews. In so many ways, they understand me better than any other group of people. My appreciation for my siblings grows each year. There aren't enough words to express what they mean to me. 

I love so much that Cassidy embraces all of us and our quirks and is all in with us. She's quite spectacular. 

David is all in too, and a huge blessing to our family. Pete shows up and supports Emily so much, even if being in the outdoors isn't his favorite. Hopefully, Erika will keep feeling more comfortable around us, and hopefully Thomas will realize that he has the protection, love and support of our Chadwick Mafia too. He's one of us, and we're all cheering him on. Alright, moving on. 

The flamingo head was kept as a trophy. 

We had Dutch Oven for dinner, thanks to Mom, David, and Taryn. 

I have to say that this Four Square Volleyball set was the best purchase I ever made for our reunions. Most everyone plays. My brothers went out and trash-talked all their nieces and nephews, and we all would just play for the longest time. 

This long line didn't even deter everyone, because the line always went quick. 

I honestly thought we'd all play more games this time. My mom did too. She even said, "I just want to play a game with everyone" and maybe realized that we were all playing this game. 

We probably played until the light was basically gone. 

I made a slideshow of our past reunions (Ben and Jenny gave me the idea), which included a few videos of Dad. I made Cassidy cry when his voice came over the speaker, and it touched me so much to see how much she misses my dad. There were plenty of emotions watching it. A few regrets, and so many good times over the years. (Honestly, we may have watched this the night before--all the nights kind of blurred together). 

We lit a fire and finally enjoyed the promised S'mores before the younger kids had to go to bed. 

I think it was this night we stayed up late around the fire talking, looking at constellations, reminiscing about what the famous Chadwick family stories were (and seeing if the in-laws agreed on the number [ie. Story #5 is Cal's graduation story].)

I actually headed to bed before Chelsea, which was kind of a miracle. I think Chelsea, Cal, and Ethan talked until pretty late. 

The next morning, we packed up and headed to my mom's house, but not before taking a selfie in front of our cabin. (We got the two room cabin for our crew, and I felt a little bad because I think it's the nicest one, but my mom made the final decision). It was really nice staying in this one this year. The porch over looks the creek and it is so peaceful. 

I promise to be more positive next time, and I think that Brian said that this was his favorite reunion so far because he enjoyed relaxing and reading a book the whole time. Hopefully the kids had an amazing time. 

My Aunt Ramona got married that evening at my Grandma and Grandpa's house, so we opted to get the group picture there, so stay tuned for that. 

Camp Chadwick Part 2: The Birthdayest of Birthday Parties

In the months leading up to Chelsea's 40th birthday, I tried cooking up something that would make her feel special and loved that was different from what we did for Emily's 40th (because she did NOT want to have the same thing.) I pestered her and pestered her about it, trying to decide what would make her happiest. The only thing she really said was that she just wanted to get together and play games. So, we decided that we'd throw her a birthday party while we were camping and play games together. Everyone wanted to do a cousin gift exchange again, and Chelsea suggested throwing a big birthday party--the Birthdayest of Birthday parties, so that's what we did. 

First, we had the cousin gift exchange. It was one of my favorite parts of camp. 

I love watching the receiver, 

And especially the giver.  Here's Gabe rushing over to hug Abby after she opened his present. He was so excited to give it to her! 

Here's the panoramic of the party. 

I love the hugs after the presents are open. Here's Evie hugging Michael, who gave her the doll. 

Gabe opening his present from Abby. 

And the hug afterwards. 

So many sweet hugs--here's Elijah hugging Sarah. 

Aaron opening his gift. 

Henry opening his gift. 

Rachel opening her gift

while Amber looks on. 

Hugs for Matthew

 and Amber. 

Here's the running hug of Amber and Henry. 

Rachel had Sarah this year. 

More hugs! 

Look how excited Elijah is to see Michael open the present he gave him. 

Seriously, this is the cutest thing. I love how all the cousins just love each other. I hope they'll always be in each other's corners over the years. 

After presents, it was time for the traditional piñata. I got a flamingo this year because it seemed especially summery. 

I know Gabe took a turn at swinging, but we don't have any pictures. We had tons of Rachel though. It may be because she kept missing. Not sure though. 

Here's Gabe ready to bolt for the few pieces that broke free. 

Here's Michael taking his shot

And Matthew finishing the poor bird off. 

We topped a cupcake with 40 candles (read two number candles, a 4 and a 0 put together to make 40). 

She felt a little silly, but she still blew out her candles. 

We put together a Soda Bar especially for Chelsea. Rachel helped me come up with drink ideas. Here is her cute sign that she made. 

Here is the menu I made. (I tried to name things after trips we made as a family either growing up or as adults, or things that are special to our family. See the end of this post if you want to learn more about each place).

Star Valley Soda Bar

        

The Chelsea

Coke + Pineapple + Coconut + Raspberry + Cream

The Kilgore

Coke + Pineapple + Coconut + Cream

The Kelly Canyon

Coke + huckleberry + Cream

The Bear Lake

Coke + Raspberry + Blackberry

The Riley

Root beer or Dr. Pepper +  Butter Rum + Cream

The Montana

Dr. Pepper + Huckleberry + Raspberry + Cream

The Nephi

Dr. Pepper + Pineapple + Coconut + Cream

The Elgin

Dr. Pepper + Peach + Mango + Coconut + Cream

No Bears Are Out Tonight

Dr. Pepper + Pomegranate + Lime

The Heise

Mountain Dew + Guava + Passionfruit

The Rainey Creek

Mountain Dew + Peach + Pomegranate +Pineapple

The Yellowstone

Mountain Dew + Guava + Strawberry + Cream

The Green Canyon

Mountain Dew + Pineapple + Lime + Raspberry + Cream

The Paris Spring

Sprite + Peach + Raspberry + Cream

The Nauvoo

Sprite + Cherry + Pomegranate + Cream

The North Shore

Sprite + Peach + Mango + Coconut +Hint of Lime

The Star Valley

Sprite + Vanilla + Strawberry + Cream

The Island Park

Lemonade + Peach + Raspberry

The Butler Island

Lemonade + Peach + Pineapple + Passion Fruit

        

Summer Nights

Lemonade + Watermelon + cream

I wish I'd taken a better shot. Emily and Taryn made the balloon arch while Brian and I were dealing with sleeping bags. We had cute cups with lids and some fun straws. You can kind of see all the syrup bottles under the arch clear in the back. 

The plan was to play games, drink soda, and eat popcorn, but Chelsea wanted to go hang out in her hammock. I got kind of upset (understatement), and the party fell apart. A month or so later, I talked to her about it, and she said she didn't know there was more to the party, and she felt bad that she walked away from her party--she legit thought the soda bar was the whole party because it was fancier and bigger than anything else she has ever had for her birthday, at least since she was a kid. At least on her end, the Birthdayest of Birthday parties was a success, which I suppose is what really matters.