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!
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| Libby got to come for the first afternoon before she went home for surgery. |
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| Big bubbles were a last minute addition--I forgot I had all the stuff. Huge hit. Should have brought twice the stuff. |
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| Playing with the littles was a highlight |
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| Brett taking a photo of me taking a photo |
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| Sarah getting into a water battle |
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| Sarah killing the karaoke |
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| The karaoke was amazing. Kids and adults (mostly kids) loved it. |
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| After Ape Cave exit. We made it out of the dark! |
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