Sunday, August 10, 2008

That's what it's all about!

This weekend it was my family reunion up at Bear Lake. I haven't been in 9 years and thought it would be fun to go. Phil was out of town, so I grabbed my sister-in-law Kristin and headed up. Wow! What a difference 9 years can make! And yet, somehow it is so much the same. Here's what I noticed:

Things that have changed: 1) How many kids have been added over the years! There were kids everywhere and they've all grown up so much since I was there last - some were as tall as I was. What is going on? 2) Being on the mom side of things is much different. I didn't realize how much stuff and stress is necessary for 24 of camping at the beach. And of course I missed a few things, but the van was packed. 3) Having my cousins be on the parent side of things. I was excited for great conversation and games like the good old days. Man, that cabin was hopping at 10:30 at night! We were all consumed with taking care of our own families, fun but crazy.

Things that are the same: 1) My ability to get sunburned. You'd think in my older, wiser years, I would learn a lesson or two about Bear Lake sun. I haven't been burned like this for 9 years. And what's worse is seeing the exact spots I missed with the sun screen on my children. They each have some very precious, unnatural, sunburn shapes. Good going mom!! 2) The distance around the lake! I can remember being so excited to finally get to the lake and it taking FOREVER to finally get to the cabin. It still does! 3) Raspberry shakes...need I say more! 4) The hokey-pokey. My family has an odd tradition of doing the hokey-pokey at our family gatherings. It was always important to grandpa and grandma, so we did it (even at grandpa's funeral luncheon.) As I did the hokey-pokey with Micah and danced the Virginia Reel with Ben, the memories flooded back. I was glad I came, chaos included. It's important to pass on those family traditions, as strange as they may be. The boys are already talking about next year's reunion, and perhaps, that IS what it's all about!

2 comments:

Leslie said...

I LOVE Bear Lake! I haven't been since I was 15...you know, 8 years ago. That water is so blue! It looks like you guys had a blast.

Emily said...

I wish I could have been there! I hope you did the Hokey Pokey an extra time for me!