Reunion Time

We had a fabulous time together with Aaron's parents and siblings (minus Cam who had work commitments) for a few days last week (July 11-14).  Aaron and I can now sit back and relax because our 'rotation' isn't for another eight years. And by then, the dynamics of M family reunions will mostly likely be something quite different as families expand and age.  

Last September Aaron found/booked an awesome and affordable home to rent for the weekend.  It's amazing how challenging it is to fulfill those two requirements - given the size of the M family (eight siblings).  And of course, even the best plans change based on who's dating, moving, flying in, etc.  In the end, it all worked out beautifully.  Everybody had a place to sleep and with five bathrooms - there were no waiting lines.  The yard was fantastic and well utilized with the swing-set, bounce house (thanks to Kristen K.), etc. 

 Janene was our official photographer so I'm looking forward to getting more pics from her. 

Until then - here's a few.

The cousins LOVED playing night games...

Elsie on the "blue team".

Jantzen, Brinley, Quinn, Jameson - "pink team".

Lillian and Anna

Notice their name tags? Upon arrival, each person was given the name of an ancestor to learn about. We had a family history theme for the reunion and Erica did an amazing job of putting this portion together.

Check out the wall behind Bob and Janene.  Both family lines - out four generations.

Tanner, Erica, Matt, Stephanie (E), Jared, Brandon, Bryant

In keeping with our theme, Erica compiled a list of questions for Bob and Janene to answer.  With Jared as moderator, Brandon and Bryant were in charge of recording their responses.  We did this in two different segments - it was tricky finding "quiet time" with all the fun/kids around but so worth the effort.  This recording will no doubt be a priceless family treasure.

Charades the first night - haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

Brinley holding phone, Whitney, Matt, Breanna, Alyssa, Chris

Nobody can act out "bird bath" like Chris or a "rooster" like Brandon!  

Seriously, where did those two get their energy?

Aaron enjoying lunch

The next day we played at Lava Hot Springs - swimming, jumping, sliding, soaking, and eating.  The younger cousins spent a lot of time in the brand new indoor kiddie area - with 80 degree water!  Love that new feature and it was so convenient to where the family 'set up shop' for the day.  It's where Quinn spent all his time....when he wasn't eating.

The weather was perfect until late afternoon when a few rain clouds rolled in.  By then we were ready to hit the hot pots before calling it a day.  It was fun to soak in hot water with cool rain falling - all while the sun was shining. ?

Elsie and Whitney

Not that Matt reads this blog but we REALLY like Whitney!

Just sayin' :)

Brinley relaxing after lunch.

Kasey, Erica, Jagger, Bob, Jack, Steph E. (back of her)

It was fortunate that Kasey and Jagger were able to join us from Arizona for the day.  She was in town  for a wedding - and squeezed in a bit of the reunion as well.  During the reunion, we rotate meal assignments and it generally works to have each family in charge of preparing/paying for one meal.  Aaron and I provided lunch at Lava but not without a lot of help from Kasey.
Thanks again - you're awesome!

Bryant and Aaron - off the highest platform.  

Isaac (age 7) was the youngest person we saw take the plunge from that height.  Guess all that time along Hawaii's coastline has given this kid lots of courage.

Brinley helped prepare several activities for the younger cousins though we only managed to make time for the fishing pond.  Jantzen and Sariah held it up...

I helped the kids secure their loot...

And Alison and Brinley worked behind the scenes to make sure everybody received the right prizes.

Everyone was happy and Brinley did a great job selecting their individual prizes.  Quinn and Isaac were especially thrilled with their swords!

It's tradition to have G-ma M bring random containers with random treats.  Everybody has the opportunity to make their best guesses on the count - and closest number wins the item.

Brinley, Anna, Alison - making their calculations.

And here is Tanner making his calculations.  There are no rules against looking up how many serving sizes per bag of Mother's animal circus cookies...

Aaron won the pitcher full of pretzels/Cheetos.

 It was reported that while Elsie was taking yet another handful from the container, she put her finger to her lips and said "Shhh, it's a surprise for my Dad. We're eating all the Cheetos for him".

Lillian, Elsie, Sariah with Alyssa & Breanna behind

Alison and Brinley - thanks for making the yummy cupcakes!

Quinn, Elsie, Isaac

And thanks Bonnie for supplying all the ink pads for this family tree craft project. 

The kids put their fingerprints on all of the branches and wrote the names of the M family on each "leaf".

Except for me.

I had Julia write the names of each family member in her awesome handwriting.  

This is when I tired of fussing with a camera so no more pics. Here's who attended:

Bob & Janene, Erica, Jordan with Mikel, Alyssa, Bryant & Bonnie with Breanna, Jameson, Garrett, Lillian, Bennett, Aaron & Heather with Tanner, Brinley, Jantzen, Anna, Elsie, Quinn, Kasey & Jagger, Jared & Stephanie with Alison, Sariah, Grant, Isaac, Matt  & Whitney, Brandon & Stephanie with Jack, Chris & Julia with Greta.

On Saturday a group of guys went golfing in the morning.  The weather was off and on throughout the day but we managed to float the river a few times and had lots of fun doing so.  That evening we had an impromptu family dance - followed by the very cool family history bingo game Erica spent so much time putting together.  Of course the kids LOVED the prizes but I think it was almost as much fun to see their pictures flash across the screen and to have people oohh and aahh over how adorable they were/are.  We all learned more about those who have gone before and it was fun to see pics from the in-laws families as well.  Sunday morning - we packed up and headed out.  Several families went to church together and others continued on home.  Thanks to everybody for making it so much fun to be together!  'Til next time...