Once again, the Bell Family Reunion was a grand success! The day was hot and humid at first, but then rained and cooled off. Most of us jumped in pool. We all ate well and enjoyed each other's company. Thanks to everyone for bringing all the delicious food and drinks, Paul for the beer and ice, Paul and Jamie for the turkeys, Beth for the Italian Beef, and especially to Betty and Eric for setting up and providing beautiful surroundings, yet again!

Most of the photos were provided by Uncle Eric and Brother John. I took a few myself, but most of those on my camera were taken by others. Thanks!

Little boys are cute too! Grandson Cody enjoyed the pool and drew pictures with the girls during the rain. He is the constant companion of his "Dad", my son Dan.

This year Dan's wife, Crissy, and daughter, Jessica, were away at a wedding, where Jessica was a Flower Girl. Interestingly, little Jessica answers to Belle, as her first nickname, Jezibelle, was shortened. (One more "Belle" of the Ball in the family.)

Son Rob was also at the Reunion, but I didn't find his face among the photos anywhere.

An upcoming addition to the "Belles of the Ball" is young Audrey, posed here with Mommy Elizabeth, Beth's youngest daughter.

Here is Arno John, Beth's youngest, with Tyra, Elizabeth's older daughter.

Here is Tyra again, this time with her cousins, Nick and Joe. Their mom is Jenni, Elizabeth's older sister. I couldn't find a photo of Jenni this year, but she WAS there!

Of course, Beth was there, and managed the kitchen all day.

Missing in action this year, was my daughter Julie and her fiancee, Ryan. Julie couldn't handle the heat this year, but she promised to bring the baby next year. Her Uncle John took this picture when we visited the evening before the Reunion.

Naturally (and thankfully), Aunt Betty supervised with her famous smile. (We needed to know where the spoons and everything was that we forgot.) And Uncle Eric and Aunt Ruthie (below) were, as usual, helpful and sweet to everyone, while they all watched the three younger generations making a chaotic mess and having a joyous time together.

Outside there were some hot volleyball games going on in the new pool. (See Pool story in the Family Newsletter.)

Cousin Pete played too! Pete flew out alone this year representing the whole Colorado clan. Hope more of the family in Colorado can join us next year.

I (Karen, for the Searching) even jumped in, just to cool off, and when I was climbing out, my bro captured me on film ;-) He has always managed to get me in the most compromising poses.

This year we were so happy that Tina (Ginger's daughter) joined us from California. Her companion, Stephen, joined her. My brother, John, (posed with them here) and I both talked with Tina and Stephen a while. It was good to hear the news about the California clan, tho we all missed Ginger a bunch!

Special THANKS to Cousin Paul, who lives nearby and brought the keg and ice, and even borrowed a keg refrigerator to keep it nice and cold. It was greatly appreciated by MANY of us!

Mike and Chris, Paul's sons, came too. They've both gotten so tall! There were two pictures of Mike, but I didn't find one of Chris. They were in the pool a lot.

Sue, Paul's wife, came too. She's always friendly!

Geri and Ann were also there, and helped out a bunch in the kitchen - thanks!

John and Linda joined us again this year.

And of course, Rik and Wendy were there. Isn't this a great photo?

Wendy was darling here too, so I had to add this one.

And here's Rik again, this time with my sister-in-law, Julie. Her daughters (my nieces), Jane and Nell were also MIA this year, but both are busy and happy. Nell will be 18 this month - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Nell!

Next, some group shots. The first features Sue in front, and Cousin Pete is standing in the second one. The picnic table was usually full of an ever changing group of people eating and chit chatting.

In the back in both shots is Cousin Jamie. I didn't find a mug of him, but he was in the spotlight on TV a few days later - on NBC5 local news at 11AM, being interviewed in front of Jamie Yaccino's Collision Repair about a fire next door. Fortunately, his shop was untouched. Even on TV he wore a baseball cap and that winning smile!

Here's Jamie's wife, Diana sitting with Uncle Bob during the rain. He is cousins Bullards' Uncle Bob, who came with daughter Patti and her husband, Dennis pictured below.

This year Faith, another Bullard cousin, brought her dad, often called Big Mike cuz Faith has a brother Mike too. It was great to see so many family members together this year! Hope I didn't miss anyone (else)! Happy Dog Days, All!

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