Fehlberg Family Reunion 2026

 This year it was the Geneva Norton clan's turn to plan the Fehlberg Family Reunion.  We spent a long time looking for locations that could fit 60+ that included catering.  We finally found a gem in Ariel WA, near Mount St. Helens.  (Anderson Lodge) We had a pretty good time putting the reunion together, Anne Marie and I (with our husbands) doing our teacher thing and planning like crazy.  It was hard to move things forward and help everyone feel included, especially those who live farther away.  I'm not sure we did a great job with this, but we planned a pretty fun 3 days.  (Delegation is never my strong suit.) 

By the time it got closer, I just wanted to chuck everything and put my head under a pillow as Libby needed to have her surgery during the reunion.  But Derek took one for the team and missed 2/3 of the reunion to take her in and be with her the first day after surgery.  (She came through it, and some friends from the ward helped with the last overnight before we get home today.  It's been hard not being with my girl, but I pretty much needed to be here for the way I planned things.)

As soon as I arrived and saw the magic of everyone connecting, reconnecting, and new friends being made among the cousins and second cousins, all the work seemed worth it.  

We had absolutely spectacular weather.  The lake day was beautiful--just right.

The Ape Caves is such a cool hike.  I did the "medium" hike rather than the easy.  I'd give it more of a "hard" rating.  Super rocky--basically bouldering the whole hike.  But it wasn't too long.  And it's always more fun when you're catching up with people you love.

We tried to honor both Grandma Mary (painting day) and Grandpa Seig (hike and farmer minute to win it games--which were not the most awesome--but they were okay).  I gave out "blue ribbons" as a nod to the Fehlberg days of raising animals for the Wyoming fair.  The kids (and adults) loved getting the ribbons.  I gave them out for all kinds of random things (best bed head, being on my quilling crew --I created some new quilling converts, etc.)

I ended up being the one who ran the activities, made the announcements, moved people along.  But you know--that is just how I am.  I also won a game of Rummikub.  So exciting times.  People are just waking up and starting to get rolling--we have to be out of the lodge by 10:00 am.  

The reunion ended with a bang (literally--serious thunder).  I hope our tent sleepers are okay! 

Libby got to come for the first afternoon before she went home for surgery.  

Big bubbles were a last minute addition--I forgot I had all the stuff.  Huge hit. Should have brought twice the stuff. 

Playing with the littles was a highlight

Brett taking a photo of me taking a photo

Sarah getting into a water battle

Sarah killing the karaoke

The karaoke was amazing.  Kids and adults (mostly kids) loved it. 

After Ape Cave exit.  We made it out of the dark! 

June Part 2 & Happy 4th

Everyone's been going in different directions, but I'll try to sum up.

Ben & Derek had a good time at football camp.  Ben got a bit of playing time.   

The next morning I dropped Ben off at Lake Wenatchee to work in the camp store.  Sarah had already been there for a few days.  They had a fun time--especially during their off duty adventures, hiking, swimming, etc. 

Hike day

Leavenworth maybe? 

I also had a fun hike day--checking out the Franklin Falls hike with my 5th grade teaching partner Ellie.  It's a great hike. We're going to kick off girls camp with a hike on day 1! 

Libby went and helped out at Summer Duals.  (She spent the week grounded and getting rolling with her Intensive Outpatient Therapy, so she was glad to get out.)   She also used it as a chance to try wrestling a bit to decide if she should get the surgery recommended by the shoulder doctor.  She decided yes--she should have the surgery.  So we're all scheduled for July 14th, hoping for a cancellation on July 10th so Derek doesn't have to miss the family reunion to be with her. (Not all that hopeful--but you know--wishing?)

Derek worked the Pride parade and saw his favorite pride celebrants. 

I spent a weekend going deep on Geneva's house.  Leanne came into town and was a huge help.  We got so much cleaned out of the upstairs bedroom so it could be painted and prepped for carpet. 

More hiking

Not sure about this...but okay. Fun times. 

Geneva had water damage in the back wall.  So goodbye wall.  They'll put in the new wall this week. 

Sarah and Ben did a swim competition this week. 

Ben really wanted to make this flag jello to take to the 4th of July when they got home.  We worked on it together--it was pretty fun, but people didn't really chow it down.  Not a lot of Jello eaters at the party. 

Happy 4th!  Ben and I went to Maren's house.  Sarah was on her flight to Scotland, Libby went to Richmond Beach with friends, and Derek was working.  Pretty typical!  Happy 4th! 

Sarah getting ready for Scotland flight with choir friends.