Family Reunion Tour 07 (long post)

Marc and I returned from the Family Reunion Tour 07. Let me start by saying, if you were not there, you missed out on a good time. One may compare the reunion to the Lollapalooza music tour (filled with a bunch of crazy acts but filled with a lot of love and energy). You may or may not know this, but Marc's family is spread all over the US. I hate to make excuses, but this is one of the reason Marc and I do not get to see his side of the family that much (I hate it). 90% of my family lives within 20 miles of each other in Pittsburgh, so we get to see them quite a bit. OK, back to the reunion.

We started off by flying into Chicago Midway, then drove to Augusta, MI (outside of Kalamazoo) to visit the Nott and Hoy Family (Marc's mom side). The Nott's have such a wonderful home, inside and out. They live in an old farm house, filled with character and a great energy. Every time I leave their house, I leave with such a peaceful feeling. They surprised me at the end of dinner with a birthday cake and gifts. Let me not forget to mention a wonderful birthday song they sang, it literally brought tears to my eyes. We were also fortunate enough to hear one of Robin's stories. This was my first experience listening to him tell an official 'story'. What a great talent he has and I can't wait to hear more.

After the Nott's, we went to Marc's grandparents new place. Its a retirement like community, but more like a really fancy resort/hotel. Its a great place for them, they seem to really be enjoying themselves and staying active.

Saturday, we drove from Kalamazoo to New Buffalo, a great little lake side community. This was the Renkes reunion part of the trip (JSF also joined us). Lee and Pam have such a gorgeous piece of property that sits right on Lake Michigan, with a beach cabana and a two tier deck that looks over the water. Lee/Pam, if you are reading this, I would like to suggest having several reunions each year, so I can come visit you more often. You are outstanding hosts and I 'tip my hat' to you for opening your home to everyone.

The only time I am around all of the Renkes' is during a wedding. I really think this needs to change. Marc and I had so much fun with everyone, it was a great to get to know folks a little better. They may not be saying the same about me--ha ha ha.

When I was first introduced to the Marc's side of the family (10 years ago), most of the cousin were really young. Now, they are graduating college and high school, driving, turning into adults, etc. I am confident they will all be successful and excited to see where life brings them all. Hopefully its at least back to the reunion every year.

I think another special thanks goes to Tom and Aimee for introducing me to CORNHOLE. I have seen this parking lot/ tailgate activity for years now, I just never played it. Now, Marc and I are on the search for our own CORNHOLE set. I will get the pancake toss down if it kills me!

Attention Poker players:
A group of us went to the new Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo. Its an awesome new casino that opened on a awesome date (August 2nd). It looks more like a lodge/cabin than a casino. But don't let that fool you, I believe its the 2nd largest casino in the US (outside of Vegas of course). We found the poker room and all the tables are electronic. We were all nervous about the idea of an electronic poker table. So, we managed to lose all our money on the Black Jack tables. I lied, Jane gave us $5.00 to bet on something for her (she didn't go) and Aimee won her $27.00. Next time we go, we will stop while we are ahead at the tables.

Thanks again for a wonderful weekend, I am so fortunate to have such an awesome extended family.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend. If you want to see all of them, check out my picasa site.