In these final weeks of preparation, there are a few things we're still hoping to get from you.
1. We would love to receive about 15-20+ photos/video clips of your family since the last reunion. These are for a "What We've Been Up To" video. So include major events, highlights, milestones...trips, accomplishments, competitions...whatever you'd like to highlight that your family has done. I would love to have plenty of video as well as photos, so send all that you can. You are not limited to 20...Please note: this is 15-20+ photos/videos PER FAMILY, not per person. Talon and Maddy, you count as your own family :) I need these by July 1st.
You should be able to upload photos and videos using Google Drive. If you have a gmail email, an easy way to do this is to go thru the motions of sending me an email (bradenandcheri@gmail.com) and attach any files you want to send me. Hit send. They will be too large to send by email, so it will automatically upload them to Google Drive and then send me an email inviting me to view the files. Simple. If you don't have a gmail email, then email me and we'll talk.
2. Do you have any pics of your family/kids with Grandma and/or Grandpa from anytime over the past 50 years? If so, please send them my way. Use the link above to upload. I need this by July 1st.
3. I realized that I wasn't thoughtful in not asking if anyone has something particular they want to do, or a vision they want to implement, in how we celebrate mom and dad's anniversary. I would love your input, ideas, suggestions, etc. if you want something specific to happen. If not, we'll just keep plugging away on what we've got on deck. But we are more than happy to change our plans. Thoughts?
All the reunions were awesome. Some had destinations so our highlights can't really apply to this location, but the top things we loved from all were in no particular order: 1. lake time 2. Late night movies on a big screen 3. Game time 4. Minute to win it 5. Hikes (Like exploring John Wesley ranch....not necessarily long hikes 6. Secret agents of awesomeness 7. Ropes course fun run 8. Glow in the dark ultimate frisbee 9. Campfire time 10. Glow in the dark capture the flag 11. Impromptu volleyball 12. Kites (we still have them and can bring them) 13. Chat time ...that's Enoch's and my list. I'll ask the kiddos in the morning.
ReplyDeleteAspen says talent show. She likes group games ( do you love your neighbor, for example). Enoch suggests Olympics out in that field (three legged race, gunny sack race, relays, egg toss,)....field looks fun!
ReplyDeleteHere is my list (Not in any particular order): Eating, Service Project, Chat Time, Lake Time (Raft/CO Paddle Board, etc.), Minute To Win It/Kid Carnival, Water Balloon Wars, Ultimate Frisbee, Secret Agents of Awesomeness, Family Talent Show. I'll ask the kids tonight.
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I'm not sure how great of a list this will be, mostly because it will be limited to childhood memory and mission absence, but I loved volleyball, some free time to explore, playing $25,000 pyramid, flying kites, watching grandpa ride down the giant hill on a bike, watching aunts and uncles smash bananas and dance in circles to music, send/receive signed shirts for missionaries, something family history related to get stories flowing, and I loved loved loved the gospel Q&A talk with Grandpa at JW.
ReplyDeleteI remember Grand Junction CO brought on the secret service idea and lake time. The skits then were totally spoofy! But who could forget Mom and Dad's OLD FOLK creation? And there was a great hike!
ReplyDeleteNauvoo had a lot of family game time! Even in the middle of the day -- awesome -- so kids and people who go to bed earlier could play with us! And the scavenger hunt in Nauvoo was a really fun way to explore a familiar place for us! (who could forget Kickball!!)
Duck Creek's changed the food prep - that meals were planned ahead and the binder was just given to the groups. I think that is SOO effective!!!! HIGHLIGHT was Cheri and Braden's ICE CREAM!!!!!! And obviously the awesome hike! Though it won't apply to all reunions (or any in the future), it sure was fun to gather at that town fair while the kids got to jump on bounce houses and we could catch up a little as adults.
John Wesley Ranch 1.0 and 2.0 - these two brought the balance of organized activities with free time. Great balance (which I know Cheri and Braden you already have a good handle on). I really enjoyed the big organized activities - minute to win it/iron chef. The kid carnival was ingenious in order to involve all those little ones at the time and the parents and siblings (way to go!). Again, Janae organized the hike.
Deerwood - wasn't this that Awesome Reunion? It's hard to remember since they all are so awesome! From this one I pick SCRIPTURE STUDY (thanks Brent & Sunny!!). and I loved how it was during breakfast prep, gave everyone a reason to get up and get going without bothering the committee, but most of all the discussions and learning -- I wonder if you would do it the same again with meeting with the same group each time or if you change it up every few days to be able to discuss with other people. This reunion also incorporated a service project and a talent show vs. silly skits (I'm sure we can call Cheri and Braden's hilarious hand show, Janae and Enoch's big head dance, and Susan's Olaf Production PURE TALENT!!!!)...and as a side note, I really loved how the reunion kicked off, and the Saw someone doing awesome sheets.
What would I change?!?!?! Maybe people getting sick :(
"So to make a long story short..."
"TOO LATE!"
(name that movie)
I think the overall highlights have been:
*simplified meal planning
*hikes/being in nature;
*scripture study/a spiritual discussion;
*something with family history to remind us who we are/why we're here/why we matter;
*an organized activity each day balanced with free time each day
Well, Kerri summed it up. That was great reminiscing and I agree...how meals have been planned and divided into mixed groups, etc. has been great with meals set ahead of time. I liked that. I also like the balance between organized time and play time/free time. Everyone has made great reunions. The bottom line I've noticed is that it's always a good reunion regardless of the activities. They are always great!
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