How to have a perfect Family Reunion

As my readers know, we just got back from our Wyoming family rafting/Camping trip. If you didn’t see my last post, please take a look at it and watch the great video Patrick made of our adventures. He did a great job filming us rafting the Snake River Rapids.

John and Lura’s family at our Annual Utah reunion

Almost all of our immediate family goes to the river but there are several of John’s family that don’t join us there. We always have a Utah family reunion after our river trip.

Our family group was in charge of organizing it this year. Since Lynell is our oldest child living in Utah she took charge. She and her family did a great job. Here is what she did. I think these are good guidelines for a perfect family reunion.

1. She reserved a park well in advance. You may not find a good place if you wait until the last minute.

2. She made sure that there are enough covered tables to accommodate everyone.  Lynell had to change the park as more families responded.

3. She made sure every family was notified in advance so they could make arrangements to come.

All of Bill’s, Forrest’s and John’s families were invited.(Can you guess who is the baby of the group still playing tricks on his big brother by holding a hat over his head???) These 3 brothers have a total of 15 living children who nearly all have children of their own so you can see that they are the patriarchs of a large group.  We had children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins…. greats and grands all over the place.

The old folks…RoLayne, Forrest, John, Lura, Bill and Carol

4. Have name tags for everyone to wear. Have them color coded for each line they descend from. That way no one(especially me) is embarrassed by not remembering someone’s name. I know the names of all my nieces and nephews and their spouses but I don’t always remember the names of their children and grandchildren. Nametags help me out.

5. Be sure that there is lots of good food but make it easy on yourself.  Each family brought their own main course and a dish to share. Lynell assigned each family to bring a side dish or a dessert. We had plenty of good food.

Lynell rented a snow-cone machine this year.

It was a hit with everyone.

You might consider renting one for your next gathering. Everyone loved the cold treat on the hot day.

6. Plan a program to introduce new members of the family and announce family activities and accomplishment during the past year. Our Mindy was the M.C. this year. Give each family a time to take part but limit the time because you don’t want the program to drag on too long.

7. Be sure you assign someone to be your family photographer. (Can you guess who our photographer was???)

You want to get pics of everyone attending. You never know if you will be together again. Sadly we have one niece, Joan who was not with us this year because her dear husband, Merrill is dying of cancer. He was well and strong last year. Never take life for granted. Every day is precious…. Document each special occasion.

8. Plan activities that are fun for the different age groups.

We had volleyball and tennis available for the athletically inclined.

Patrick brought his plane which dropped parachutes

for the kids to run and catch.

Lynell rented this blow up slide which was also lots of fun

for all ages to enjoy. We divided up the cost of the slide and the snow-cone machine between us so it was not a burden on anyone.

For some of us just being together and visiting was all the activity we were up to.

As I mentioned, we have this reunion every year. It is a highlight of our year. I think it is wonderful for our families from various locations to get together. I especially enjoy seeing all the little cousins playing together. Our love grows as we spend time together. If you are not having family reunions why don’t you start making them one of your traditions. I think you will be glad you did.

I’m thankful for our dear family, both immediate and extended. I feel blessed that we could get together again this year and spend time with them.

I’m back in CA now. Erin and her two little ones came home with us. We are still busy but I will have time to visit you all after they leave.  Have a great week.

Hugs, Grammy Lura