This weekend we went to Wisconsin to visit with my parents. We also got to see their beautiful new house that they just moved into last weekend! The main reason we chose this weekend to go to Wisconsin was for the big family reunion that was planned. It was also a birthday party for my Aunt Ali and a celebration of life for those whose time with us may be limited.
The family reunion was held at Lindberg Park in Combined Locks. It was a really nice park with a lot of grassy areas, a huge pavilion with a kitchen, plenty of parking, a playground and a basketball hoop. It really was a perfect setting. I told on of my aunts that I’d never been to this park before and she laughed and said our family had been holding reunions there for 50 years. According to my mom I’d been there when I was young. Also, on the drive to the park I passed by the house where I lived in Kaukauna (although I didn’t recognize it), the street that I lived on in Appleton (Drew! I didn’t remember it til I saw it) and the place on the river where my dad grew up (which I recalled driving past often when I used to drive from Little Chute and Kaukauna to work in Appleton).
It was my Aunt Ali who was celebrated her 57th birthday three days early. She has had a tough battle with breast cancer for many years. Her positive outlook on life in the face of death should be in an inspiration to all of us. I’m sure she has her dark times, but the positive energy that flows from her being is uplifting to everyone around her. Amazing lady. Makai decorated birthday card for her with markers and stickers and included two photos of himself. Aunt Ali has always had soft spot in her heart for Makai. It’s so sweet!
My cousin Dawn has been visiting from Florida for several weeks. It was so great to see her again!
My dad and his brother Doug.
My mom with her sisters Connie, Wanda, Sue and Alice
The sisters: Connie, Wanda, Mary, Sue, Alice and their brother Maurice. (And Charlotte!)
My mom and her brother, Morey.
Kiara is my cousin’s grandaughter. | I’m not sure what the officially makes her to me! |
Kiara and Makai blowing bubbles. Both are just about 3 years old (She in September, he in October). | On a family tree, Makai would be on the same level as Kiara’s Mom, Miranda (I think.) |
Art by Aunt Sue.
Cousins: Tiffani, Melissa, Marla, Kelly, Rachelle, Dawn, Skyonna, Katrina, Ciara, Kelly, Richard, Molly, Pat. (And Charlotte!) Me: “Is Pat the only guy?” Everyone: “Uh, no. Your brother… ?”
Cousins Pat and Kelly
Family photos: Amanda, Jessica, Richard, Stephanie, Rick, Mary, Rachelle, Dallas, Makai
Family photos: Kelly, Margo, Jeff, Sue, Charlotte, Tessa
The kids (even the big kids) played so hard on the playground! I hardly even went in because Makai had lots of babysitters: Stephanie, Jessica, Tessa, Charlotte, Margo. Ok, maybe not Margo. And Larry.
Lucky for Richard, Dallas, Matt and Dominic, Larry had a basketball in the trunk of his car. Dallas was feeling pretty great about his “old man game” when he beat some of his competitors who were 20 years younger than him!
Fun fun day for everyone! So glad we came up and could see all of the the family!