Family Reunions 2021

 Our family has loosely put together an end-of-June or early-July family reunion each year for our siblings, their partners, friends, children, and other loved ones. We choose a place, a date, a main hiking event, and then let everyone in the family know about it. If you can make it, great, and if you can't, that's okay too. 

Every year the results of this reunion differ. Sometimes more than less come to the event. Sometimes the weather is spectacular. Often we meet new friends of family members who tend to bring a spark to the event. And, we almost always, share good food, games, and cheer. There's always a few bumps in the road too such as a hiking mishap, a food gone wrong, or even a family disagreement now and then, but those bumps are minor compared to the good community and memories the reunion brings. 

This year as I plan for the event, I want to make sure I do the following:

• Pack for outdoor adventure
• Bring lots of healthy foods to accommodate those who will be staying with me
• Be ready to be flexible as plans change due to weather and other factors
• Make time to say hello to all my family members who come

As our family grows, we tend to see less of each other which makes these yearly get togethers even more valuable. 

This year we're adding a new reunion to the menu, and that's a casual meet-up reunion of any and all of our relatives from our very large extended family. We've chosen a beach that's popular with the family and a date. If you want to come, you simply show up with your beach equipment and a picnic. It's a first attempt to gather very large extended family to spend some good time together. We'll see how it goes. 

I truly value the connections that family ties bring, and these reunions are one way to keep those ties strong. Onward.