Erma Bombeck had a book called, "Family, The Ties That Bind and Gag". She was a super funny lady and yes, many families or perhaps all families, have the ties that bind and gag! Social media has the power to shape, mold, clean up, AI photo shop, and make you think some people have perfect lives and families. I'm not going to say our group is perfect, but they sure come close! We had a family reunion this past weekend that Jack and I hosted here in Ashland. Friday evening started the reunion here at the Pines and Saturday was at a venue called The Fireman's Cabin that's in a county park just minutes from us. We had a wonderful time with all who were able to attend. I know this time of year is not the usual reunion time but it's my favorite time of year and this past summer would not have worked for us. However, we had family that came from all over the country. We had Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Oregon represented. The weather was my biggest concern all this time since we last gathered at my sister's last summer. But God was good and great as we had perfect weather on Friday and Saturday. Well, until Saturday night anyway! The rains did come but the cabin kept us dry and the rain held up long enough for family to enjoy the firepit at the cabin until it was time to head out. There were tons of food and lots of fun. We also celebrated my brother Jim's 70th birthday that fell on Saturday. We made it a surprise for him as we had a cake, gifts, and happy birthday singing! He was very appreciative. Hearing the talking and mostly all the laughter sure warmed my heart. If you have kids, you probably remember hearing those first real laughs and giggles from them when they were little. Well, hearing the laughter from them as grownups as they tell all the stories of their youth, throwing in their quick wit, and just having the time to be together to do that was the best this momma could ask for. Sunday my nieces took their families to Cedar Point, my nephew stayed here in Ashland with his family to go to a pumpkin farm and enjoy the fun things there and get some pumpkins to take back to Chicago. Midge and I spent the day together doing some stuff we enjoy like going through a Victorian house that had an open house, getting cheese and things from the famous Grandpa's Cheese Barn, and just chilling out. Jack and I spent the last year preparing for this, going over plans, meeting with Midge who gave super help with food and prep ideas and decorations. We couldn't have done it without her! Our kids here and our son's family that came from Oregon were life savers with setting up tables, food prep, decorating the outside with us, and the final clean up part that isn't the fun part! I miss all those that came from far and wide as some left Sunday, others left today. I can't believe after all the planning, preparing, worrying, stressing at times, and finally enjoying the gathering, that's it's now over. Sad face here! Love all my wonderful family. However, as we were celebrating here, my brother Phil wasn't able to come. Phil lives in Florida. My sister-n-law, Cilla became very ill and was hospitalized and he stayed by her side while she struggled with heart issues. Unfortunately, Cilla passed away on Saturday afternoon. Phil waited until Sunday to tell us because he said he didn't want to put sadness on the reunion. During his grief he thought of us. What a selfless, loving thing to do but how we would have wanted to comfort him and do what we could from so far away. Yes, my family isn't perfect, but I feel so blessed to have been born into this one. Many people don't have this kind of family that will always be there for you and love and care from all over the many miles that separate us. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped make this weekend come together in a perfect way that needed no AI to make it look better than it was! Love and prayers to my brother Phil and Cilla's family. Cilla will be so missed but we know she is no longer suffering and is in heaven looking down on us with her beautiful smile. The next reunion will be in Georgia with my brother Jim and sister-in-law Lori doing the hosting. That is, as they say, God willing and the creek don't rise. Until then, here's pics from this year.
5 comments:
Hi Yaya, It's so nice that you have a large, and tightly knit family. It's so good that you could all be together. Isn't it wonderful to know that "families can be together forever?" Have a good week!
Such a beautiful and poignant post Kathy. You are, indeed, blessed with an amazing family. I am so very glad the reunion went off so very well. Everything looks fabulous. And how wonderful that it you actually had an entire weekend (or mostly) together. When our families had reunions, it was always only one afternoon and you would be left wishing you had had more time with so-and-so, etc. Love your skelly guests too! I am so very sorry, however, that there was a shadow cast by the passing of your SIL. Wishing your family peace and healing during this time. Hugs.
Happy birthday to Jim. So sorry for the loss of your SIL. Flannel fest is a great theme for an outdoor party. Glad the rain held out somewhat for you. The decor is amazing. You have a wonderful family. Janice
Hi, YaYa! I'm here as promised, dear friend, and overjoyed that the autumn family reunion you worked so hard preparing for was a smashing success. There have been occasions in the past when you were so busy mingling with family that you forgot to take pictures. Not this time. The multitude of candid shots and posed groupings turned out magnificently. Everybody looks great. Happy birthday to Jim! Your entire family will treasure those photos, and Gabriel and future generations of your clan will gaze at them and remember their loved ones as they were in 2026. I am so glad Midge was there along with the folks from Oregon, Portland, and other states. I am very sorry to learn about Phil's great loss, a tragedy that unfolded as the rest of the family was celebrating a thousand miles away. It is the one gloomy aspect of your reunion that will always bring a tear to the eye and temporarily erase the smile on your face as you recall that magic weekend. My favorite picture is the one that includes my sweetie-pie Annabelle. I must ask, where was the Yeti from Creepy Woods? I'll bet he spent the weekend in his mancave den watching football games. Your decorations are delightful. I love the balloon towers and lighted autumn tree. The Halloween touches could best be described as "bare bones."
Thank you for sharing this glorious event in your wonderful family's rich history. You pulled it off perfectly, the weather cooperated and a great time was had by all who attended. Enjoy the rest of your month, dear friend YaYa!
Oh, I am very sorry for the loss of your dear sister-in-law That is just like a sweet brother, not wanting to say until after your reunion was over. Bless him. Your get togethers with your family are always so very special! Now, when you have one in Georgia, I do hope you will let me know where and when! Can't I please be an honorary family member?
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