One year ago almost to the day, Mike and I were visiting Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, to enjoy Engineers Day--a one day annual event where you can walk across two of the Soo Locks, visit the St. Mary's River electric generator plant, and do other fun things. That day we spent time with Mike's cousins Chris and Don.
At that time Don suggested holding a family reunion, as we had not had one in several years. We decided to go for it. So Mike, Don, Chris, and I have been planning and prepping for about six months. This past weekend was the family gathering.
The event was held in the American Legion Hall in Frankfort, Michigan (one way is 195 miles and about 4 hours driving time), in the northwest corner of the lower peninsula. This is where most of the oldest generation lived, grew up, and went to school in. Two of them still live there. Another two are close by. Only one was not able to attend from that generation.
The event was held in the American Legion Hall in Frankfort, Michigan (one way is 195 miles and about 4 hours driving time), in the northwest corner of the lower peninsula. This is where most of the oldest generation lived, grew up, and went to school in. Two of them still live there. Another two are close by. Only one was not able to attend from that generation.
It took a lot of research to get in touch with family members. We contacted about 75 people, got responses from 65, and headcount at the party was about 50.
We had four folks 82 years or above (at right Mike's mom at 93 was the oldest). The youngest was age 2. We had people from Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. We had a minister, several college professors and educators, retirees, students, housewives, and a Greyhound bus driver.
On the way up Mike, his sister, and I picked up most of the groceries in Cadillac. The car was packed to the brim and we passengers had food stacked under our feet and on our laps. Not the safest hour-and-a-half of driving, but we made it.
While folks gathered, we served appetizers, including some terrific smoked fish provided by cousin Don. Next relatives scarfed up a huge feast of steaks, chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers, grilled onions, numerous salads, baked beans, mac'n'cheese, and more. Thank goodness Mike's sister tackled the grill with all the meat and onions because I was lost there. Dessert was birthday cake and ice cream to honor Emily (Chris and Don's cutsie granddaughter). So those that are keeping track, can see why I gained poundage last week!
We had only seven kids under 12, but Chris had them all set up with colored markers and drawing paper, jump ropes, bubbles, etc. They were happily entertained all afternoon.
We also had a "genealogy" table. Mike's mom's generation had ten children, so we had an area marked with each of their names. Relatives brought old and new photos and put them under the appropriate ancestor name, so we could see the descendants of each matriarch / patriarch. This was a huge hit!
Family stories were flying, some quite exaggerated, but that's typical under these circumstances. Lots of laugh and a few tears. What a wonderful day was had by all. It ended much too quickly.
Thanks everyone for helping or just being there to join in the fun.
We had four folks 82 years or above (at right Mike's mom at 93 was the oldest). The youngest was age 2. We had people from Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. We had a minister, several college professors and educators, retirees, students, housewives, and a Greyhound bus driver.On the way up Mike, his sister, and I picked up most of the groceries in Cadillac. The car was packed to the brim and we passengers had food stacked under our feet and on our laps. Not the safest hour-and-a-half of driving, but we made it.While folks gathered, we served appetizers, including some terrific smoked fish provided by cousin Don. Next relatives scarfed up a huge feast of steaks, chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers, grilled onions, numerous salads, baked beans, mac'n'cheese, and more. Thank goodness Mike's sister tackled the grill with all the meat and onions because I was lost there. Dessert was birthday cake and ice cream to honor Emily (Chris and Don's cutsie granddaughter). So those that are keeping track, can see why I gained poundage last week!We had only seven kids under 12, but Chris had them all set up with colored markers and drawing paper, jump ropes, bubbles, etc. They were happily entertained all afternoon.
We also had a "genealogy" table. Mike's mom's generation had ten children, so we had an area marked with each of their names. Relatives brought old and new photos and put them under the appropriate ancestor name, so we could see the descendants of each matriarch / patriarch. This was a huge hit!
Family stories were flying, some quite exaggerated, but that's typical under these circumstances. Lots of laugh and a few tears. What a wonderful day was had by all. It ended much too quickly.
Thanks everyone for helping or just being there to join in the fun.
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