by Derek—2005.08.17 @ 1215
Today officially started the Ott Family Reunion. It looks like everyone will be there: the Dragers; the Otts; the Hogans; the Bringhursts; and us! Melissa and I were able to use the Rodeo (our old car) for transportation. It was really like old times. Driving up the canyon was also very wonderful: we drove past waterfalls and trails, rafters and fishermen.
Around 9 a.m. we left for Deer Creek for a day at the reservoir. The Erkenbracks (cousins to the Otts) came with their boat and ski equipment and we immediately went into the water. The air was crisp and a little chilly in the morning, but the water seemed fine. Melissa got up on the skim board and went down hard. Her second attempt lasted much longer and she had a lot of fun.
Later in the afternoon the wind had picked up considerably making the water too choppy for any enjoyable skiing. I did, however, get up on the skiis and attempted to enjoy myself. With the wind, skiing wasn't too bad, as long as I stayed in the wake. Outside the wake was so choppy that I regretted my adventuring spirit each time I ventured out.
We finally gave up on the skiing and went instead to pulling the "banana tube" which holds about six people. I went straight from skiing to the banana and I could bearly pull myself out of the water onto the float. My arms were so weak. I actually tore the skin off my finger as I desperately pulled myself onto the tube. Ouch!
Elise and Isaac really had a fun time on the beach too, digging holes, tunnels, and water channels. I'm afraid they got too much sun; they have such light skin.
We were all very tired.
Although I cut my finger, it was Melissa who had the big trauma for the day. Her big fall on the skiis really hit her later in the day. As we packed up from the lake she started having a migrane with nausia. She finally lost it as we drove up the canyon and her head pounded considerably.
Once we arrived at the cabin, she collapsed on a bed. The headache medicine wasn't helping and so she asked for a priesthood blessing. With Father Ott, we laid our hands on her head and gave her a blessing to be healed. It was really a miracle. Within the hour, she was feeling better and came out with her family. It was wonderful.
The real fun at the cabin was playing games. The Ott Family favorite is Rook, which most people participate in. The cabin also came with a pool table which quickly started tournament rounds.
The cabin was spacious and had a lot of space for the cousins to play in and around.
We went to bed as early as we could, but with the activities at the lake, we were all so sore that sleep was hard to catch. In the night, Isaac became restless and got sick. We suspected it was heat stroke. From about 2 a.m. until 7 a.m. we were up with Isaac comforting him and directing the throw-up for easy clean up. It was a difficult night. By the time everyone was waking up, Isaac finally collapsed and went to sleep. I joined him.