Summer Road Trip Part One: Family Reunions
My husband and I often fondly compare our extended paternal families. Specifically, they both have awesome reunions every few years that come complete with themed t-shirts and even a talent show. Yes, we're that kind of family - twice. Sometimes I can't even believe how incredibly lucky we are to belong to both clans. Needless to say, our time spent with each side is cherished. With one family in Kansas and the other clear up in Idaho, imagine our panic when we found out that both family reunions would be this July - one weekend right after the other. I remember saying, "how on earth are we going to physically and financially make it to both family reunions?" and dreading the thought of having to choose one or the other."
Why don't we just make a road trip out of it?" was my husband's response. With a 9 year old and a 2 year old, I thought he had seriously lost his mind to even suggest it. But then I stumbled upon Carl and Anna Holley out of Austin, Texas. On their website they were literally telling us "Yes! Please take our little camper to go on an adventure!" And so we decided to pack up both boys into the Holley's 1973 Eco Scamp and head out on our family reunion tour.
Our first reunion was in Greensburg, Kansas. My husband's family circled the wagons on his aunt and uncle's property for a weekend full of baseball, volleyball, swimming, delicious food, and fireworks. I loved watching Grandma run the bases and getting a personal tour of her amazing garden. It was also truly a treat to spend July 4th in one of the most charming small towns in America.
Our second reunion was at the Silver Creek Plunge Resort in Garden Valley, Idaho. The drive up into the mountains was equal parts nerve racking and beautiful. Being from Texas we are not used to seeing such big mountains and tall trees. I had a great time photographing all the scenery. Beyond that, it was almost magical how nobody had cell service and got to catch up with each other. I am so impressed with my cousins and the parents we have all become (although not surprised since we had amazing role models).
On the last day of both reunions we were incredibly sad. It is simply never enough time. Until next time, please know that we love and adore each of you!
Does your family have reunions?
XO-Olivia
Update - we have not been able to make an Idaho reunion since this post, but we’ve been back to Greensburg yearly. In fact once we moved back to Kansas I attempted to help plan a yearly Greensburg reunion. That year was probably the last year I was actually excited about a reunion. It was really tough trying to plan the event as one of the younger generations. The older generations had the way they had been doing things for so long and I quickly got the boot for not knowing the ropes. I believe it’s a cautionary tale to large families. If you wan’t future generations to keep coming, you may have to adjust your plans!