The first ever “Gathering of The Herd” Roundup of the family of James E. and Grace (Smith) Bell was held on July 2, 3 and 4, hosted by David and Karen (Bell) Birzer at their ranch near Cody, Wyo. Forty-one family members and ten guests were in attendance.
The first couple days were spent sight seeing in Yellowstone National Park, attending the Rodeo, visiting the Buffalo Bill Museum, river rafting on the Shoshoni River, horse back riding, volleyball games, bean bag games, swimming and shopping.
On reunion day, they attended the famous Cody Wyoming 4th of July Parade, had lunch in Cody, then back to the ranch for a game of “Who in the family did .... that..??” and viewed a slide show of all family members at various stages of their life. All shared memories of their Grandpa James Bell. Family pictures were taken and a western style BarBQ
dinner was enjoyed by all. After dinner they gathered around the campfire for roasting marshmellows and Smores.
Attending were: Grace Bell, Great Bend; Karen(Bell) and Dave Birzer, Cody, Wyo.; Janis(Bell) and Marty West, Wichita; Rhonda(Bell) and Kevin Spencer of Gering, Neb.; Jamie(Bell) and Ray Horton Susank; Jim and Elysia Bell, Hoisington; Kelly and John Hruska, Hannah, Hailey, Courtney, and John; Olivehurst, Calif.; Jennifer and Harley Simmons, Corbin and Cali, Livingston, Mon.; Craig and Darylene
Birzer, Kylie, Jace, Garrett and Emma, Waddell, Ariz.; Chris and Martha West, Stella and Cale, Overland Park; Amy and Scott Kleinschmidt, Emma and Evan, Derby; Korey Spencer, Madison Spencer of Gering, Neb.; Shelby Boor and Elijah of Olmitz; Dalton Bell, Hays; Dylan Bell, Salina. Guests from Kansas were Jennifer Funk, Hays.; and Marissa Harvey, Quinter.