Sunday in Oklahoma

Sunday morning we all, yes all 40 (I think) of us went over to Grove, OK and attended the branch there. Since they usually only have about 100 members total, we really made a big difference in their meetings that week. The people there were so friendly and kept trying to convince us that we should all move there and help their branch become a ward. I met a lady who used to live out here in Arizona. I think they had moved to OK, just a few months before. She keep telling me how much they miss their home. We played the "do you know" game a little bit, but unfortunately I didn't know any of the people she mentioned. I think she was really hoping to find a common piece. The kids all went to primary and did a great job there.

Then we returned home, had lunch and naps and then got together for a big family dinner and family pictures. We all had matching shirts. Each individual family had their own color. They were really nice. Thanks to Will and Jodi for designing them, Vaughn and Becca for ordering them, and the Dad for paying for them! As a side note, we also had a cookbook of family recipes that Becca and Shalyse typed up and put together. I know it was a lot of work and I really appreciate it. I have used many recipes out of that book since we have been home.

The original Claytons (minus Dan who was home waiting for their new baby to arrive)
Front: Will Middle: Elizabeth, John Jr. John (the Dad), Roberta (the Mom), Dorothy, Laurel
Back: Vaughn, Ben


The Arizona Claytons!


Joey and Spencer. Can you see the family resemblance?


I put this picture in here, because even though you can't see her cute little face, you can get a good shot of the shirt. Also on her arm she is wearing the friendship bracelet that her cousin Rachel made for her.


Jacob was set on getting his picture taken by himself. A big thanks goes to my sister-in-law Jodi Clayton, who was chosen as the "family photographer". Not only did she take lots of fantastic photos, but she let me use some for our blog as well! Side note on Jodi...she and I served our missions together in Spain, many, many years ago!


some of the girl cousins


It was really hot and humid the whole time we were in OK. We are used to the heat, but the humidity was rough. This day, Spencer had just had enough. Luckily we were just about finished.


The whole family except, Dan, Katy, Hannah, and Bella (who arrived a few days later in Utah)


Throughout the reunion, the Mom and Dad shared many things about their Mission to Tonga. Here is the Mom (A.K. A...Claygran) dressed in a native costume teaching us a common Tongan dance.


She then showed a video of her and other women doing this dance while in Tonga


And then the kids got to try it out. They all had a lot of fun.