By Thursday and Friday of last week, more and more relatives arrived at Pokagon State Park for the 1st EVER Waanders Family Reunion (This is my mom's side of the family. She is one of 7 siblings. Those 7 siblings have lots of kids, and those kids have kids, too. On Saturday we had almost 100 people present-- that's a lot of people!!!!). Being part of the Waanders clan is a blessing, I don't know how else to say it-- what a great family and what a great reunion. It was so fun seeing and catching up with so many people!
Here are some highlights!
Abby's attempt to keep the bugs away-- bundling up like it was winter! Not sure how well that actually worked.
Friday evening there was lots of chatting and catching up...
As well as some game playing.
Then it was time for a fire and s'mores. Thankfully we had Adam (he was a Boy Scout, you know) to start the fire and keep it ablaze!
Saturday was the day with the highest attendance-- 95 or so people!
The name tags... created by... me. Yes they are color-coded by family. I'm anal like that!
Jeremiah modeled the awesome reunion t-shirt (Grandpa and Grandma Waanders grace the front of the shirt)... designed by..... me. And my mom helped, too!
We actually hit the beach Saturday morning one last time. Poor J was exhausted (and sick with an ear infection probably), so fell asleep on the walk TO the beach (on a bumpy, steep, dirt and rock trail).
Grandpa and sleeping Jeremiah hung out together. In the smoking area.
Later in the afternoon there was playing in the kiddie pools,
lounging,
swimming in the lake,
playing with cousins,
and we also fit in a bridal shower for my cousin Karen (the wedding is in less than a month-- so excited!!!)
Saturday night Adam (and Casey, too, I guess) grilled burgers, brats, and hotdogs for the entire group!
The handprint family tree made by some of the members of the family.
My mom and all her siblings and spouses (we miss Uncle Herk, he passed away a few years ago).
Sunday was cleaning up, packing up, and heading out. So sad to say good-bye to everyone!
Jeremiah occupied himself by dreaming of RAGBRAI.
And on the long drive home, we had a very tired, VERY dirty little boy!
What a great week and reunion weekend! We can't wait until the next one!!!!! :)
Nice post, Rachel. After getting my pictures on Facebook, I guess it's time for me to do a post on the old blog as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great time we had. I truly wished that those wrist bands worked to keep the mosquitos away. I think that one of my favorite times was sitting in the raft watching this kids playing in the water in the middle of it.
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