Family Reunion in Utah Shows Love Spans Generations

When over 100 members of the Olsen family gathered in Joe's Valley, Utah this July 4th, they left modern conveniences behind and rediscovered what matters most.

The biennial reunion brought together descendants of Abinadi and Hannah Seely Olsen for days of connection in a remote location without Wi-Fi, cellphone service, bathrooms, or running water. Instead of screens, teenage cousins talked about missions, school, and dating while younger kids organized games of tag and kickball.

Church News editor Ryan Jensen attended the gathering for a work assignment and found himself transported back to his own childhood family traditions. One side of his family attended the same rodeo for decades, while the other gathered each Fourth of July for Wiffle ball, homemade root beer, and orange-pineapple ice cream.

"Being together as a family certainly helped us grow closer to one another each time we met," Jensen wrote. "It helped us develop a love for each other."

The Olsen reunion mirrored those same values across generations. Despite any individual differences, the families enjoyed each other's company through simple activities and shared meals.

Jensen connected the gathering to recent teachings from Church leaders about strengthening family bonds. President Dallin H. Oaks spoke in April 2026 general conference about being peacemakers within families and avoiding harsh or hateful words.

Primary General President Susan H. Porter reminded families that part of God's plan involves returning to live with our families "in joy and peace." Her words carry special weight given the diverse family situations she's witnessed while traveling the world.

Sunny's Take

The Olsen family reunion proves that the best family traditions don't require elaborate planning or expensive venues. What mattered wasn't the location or amenities but the intentional choice to be fully present with each other. Teenage cousins could have complained about missing their phones, but instead they engaged in real conversations about their lives. Younger kids didn't need entertainment apps when they had open space and willing playmates. The lack of modern distractions actually became the gathering's greatest gift, creating space for authentic connection that many families struggle to find in everyday life.

Jensen's memories of height comparisons, grandmotherly cheek pinches, and laughter show how these small moments accumulate into lasting legacies. The Olsen family is building that same legacy for future generations, one reunion at a time.