Labor Day Pilgrimage!

The Olsen clan has taken camping trips on Labor Day weekend for many, many years. 2008 was no exception. For those of us in the family that couldn't attend, we missed out. We missed the bugs, the animals, the blackened camp food, the incessant smoke, the freezing temperatures at night and the fun-ending torrential downpour. But we also missed the camaraderie, the family craziness, the laughter, the Rummy, (the cheating), and the family bond that's strengthened from just being together in a shared experience.

This year, as in year's passed the group at large decided on Strawberry Dam in Eastern Utah.(It's on the map under Soldier Creek.)According to my niece, Amy Pretl, they camped on Current Creek a few miles away from the actual dam and lake. For the most part, a good time was had by all. However, the last two days they were drenched by a rain storm. Too bad, sorry I missed it. (Not!)

Here's some pictures of their activities:

One thing the Olsen's do well is talk--and I'm sure they had a lot of time to do just that. Looks like everyone's having a great time.We're always eager to pass the love of camping onto the next generation. Babies are included.We're not always sure what kids pick up to eat. We just hope it isn't bugs or animal left overs or ashes from the fire. Carter simply looks like he's having fun, regardless of what he just ate.
One of the main disadvantages of Strawberry dam is the bears. Look out Judy, you've got an old grizzly behind you! Quick Judy, get the Raid!Reed's been attacked by a vicious animal, luckily he was able to subdue it before anyone else was harmed. (That's just Maggy! She wouldn't hurt anybody.)Old traditions are passed along to the new generation. Looks like Grandpa Olsen's rummy's still going strong. Where's Dale? Is he cheating?Did somebody mention smoke? You could always use it to send signals all the way to California if you're lucky.Anyone ever see "Passage to Zarahemla". Too cute! Gotta love those children. They're the ones that remember these camping trips the most.Nobody could be happier that when surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even if he can't remember their names. That's what we have computers for. Right?

Must have been a blast--right up the part when the rain fell. However, I doubt the Olsen Family Camping Spirit was dampened even if the weather was nasty. That's just gives us something to talk about at the next family camp out, like the folding chair incident and the rubber raft incident and the hurricane incident, and, and...so many more that I can't name.

Celebrating 90 years of life!

On October 25, 2008, the Paul Olsen clan celebrated Paul's 90 years of life. It was a great party for Paul surrounded by his loving HUGE family. All of his five children, (Pictured at the top of the blog as youngsters), were in attendance. (Just one apology up front. My pictures did not turn out even with a digital camera. They looked like I took them under water. So thanks to Hillary King, my beloved niece, the following pictures are what we have of the event. It my family has more pictures, please advise.)

The Head of the Paul Olsen Clan:
Paul Olsen and his wife, Edna

Paul Olsen's children: David, Reed, Paul(father), Dale, Carol Anne & Scott
Twenty of his thirty four grandchildren were there and numbers concourses of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren were there. As well as dear friends and close relatives. We enjoyed browsing the numerous photos of family, looking at picture books, and reminiscing. We ate a delicious meal of baked potatoes and a varying variety of homemade salads. Laura, Joe's wife made a fantastic cake. With pictures of Paul's life actually made in frosting as the decoration. Isn't it remarkable. Congratulations to Laura, great job!
Scott and Judy Olsen's Family
Scott & Judy (Paul's oldest son and his wife, the former Judy Jorgenson)
Allen and DiAnne, (Scott's third son [twin] and his wife the former DiAnne Ranjael)
Mark and Dora, (Scott's fourth son [twin] and his wife Dora Ranjael) Joe and Laura Olsen & family (Scott's son Joe and his wife, the former Laura Findlay) Chris & Stacy Olsen (Scott's son Chris and the former Stacy Hanson) Amy and Matt Pretl (Scott's daughter Amy)Mandy and Jim Landon (Scott's daughter Mandy)

Reed & Jeannie Olsen's family
Reed & Jeannie, 5 children, spouses and grandchildren
Dale & Sharon Olsen and Megan
David & Shari Olsen's family:
Sharon & Shay Stott & family (David's daughter)
Sarah & Jeff Brighton & Family (David's daughter)Rebecca Olsen (David's daughter)Paul and Jennifer Olsen & family (David's son)Jeremiah Olsen (David's son)

(Saving the best for last) Carol & Tim Malone (Paul's only daughter)
Of course there were some family members that couldn't be there and some who are camera shy or were among the blurry photos. But when we consider the day as a whole, I'm sure the rest of my family would agree with me--family is precious. Being with family a joy, and belonging to such a large, multi-generational family a blessing from God.

New Additions to the Olsen Posterity

Carter Paul Olsen - Son of Paul and Jennifer Olsen, Grandson of David Olsen:

David’s son Paul and his wife Jennifer welcomed a new addition to their family, Carter Paul Olsen. He was born on July 3rd at 8:57 am weighing six pounds and three ounces and was eighteen and a half inches long. Unfortunately, he was taken to Primary Children’s Hospital about thirty hours after birth as we found out that he was born with Hirschsprungs disease like Paul as a baby, just not as bad. They were able to bring him home on July 16th, and they were so grateful for that he is doing awesome. He is a very well mannered baby and Nicole loves her new little brother.






Charley Olsen - Son of J.P. & Brenna Olsen, Grandson of Mark & Dora Olsen, Great-Grandson of Paul Scott & Judy Olsen:
Scott and Judy’s grandson J.P. and his wife Brenna welcomed their first child, Charley on July 7, 2008. Charley weighed seven pounds and eight ounces and was twenty inches long. Brenna describes Charley as a milk lover, sleepy-head, cuddler, and bathtime devotee. “I swear this kid smiles, apparently never at the opportune time for a picture but I'll catch it one day.” (Catch her blog.)



Sean Jack Fitzgerald, Son of Shelly and Shawn Fitzgerald, Grandson of Shari Olsen:

David’s step-daughter Shelly and her husband Shawn Fitzgerald welcomed a new son into their family, Sean Jack. Sean was born on July 2, 2008.

What's better than that? New husbands and wife's welcoming to their family God's greatest gifts. It's such a miracle to witness and be apart of something so spiritually significant. Congratulations to all these young families.
Good luck and God bless you all in your endeavors to raise a righteous posterity.