T-shirts...$50, gas...$3/gallon, family fun...priceless!

I had a wonderful weekend! I spent time getting to know my Wilson family a little better. Since the death of my Aunt Rosie a little over two years ago, my family has rekindled the flame that had gone out. Aunt Rosie hosted the first Wilson/Drumgoole reunion in her yard, and that was it. It was at Aunt Rosie's funeral that I saw cousins I hadn't seen in over twenty years and I vowed to keep in better touch with my family. I've always been close to my mother's family and I felt awful that I hadn't taken any effort to get to know my dad's family better. My Aunt Laura hosted the first "renewal" reuion in Dallas two years ago. I can't remember why I didn't make it, but when I was told of the good time had by all, I declared I'd never miss another. Last year, my dad and I made the trip to Peoria, Illinois and had a wonderful time. The crowd is not very large, but the love is and that is what matters most.

Each year the reunion is hosted by someone in the family. The host is responsible for all PR, food, logistics and activities. My cousin VW requested that the date be moved from Memorial Day to the weekend before because the Crawfish Festival would be in town (Dermott, AR) and that would give us someone to do during the down time. VW was on the ball, we got save the date letters before the end of 2006. We got t-shirt order forms in February. She did a great job of building anticipation. She told us to expect three fun-filled days at her new house.

Because of work related issues, I wasn't able to attend the Friday night festivities, but I heard she had a cake for a cousin who recently retired after thirty years of employment with the same company. She also had name buttons, so you wouldn't have to whisper, "Now who is that?"

Saturday I pulled into her yard to find a large moonwalk bouncy. She also had goody bags for the kids filled with beach balls, bubbles, sun visors and jump ropes. There was a volleyball net setup in the front yard. I continually thanked her, I mean, I didn't see my kids much, they were busy playing. I actually got to eat in peace! Speaking of eating, the menu was incredible and there seemed to be a never ending supply of catfish, cole slaw, spaghetti, french fries and hushpuppies. We also had pound cake and jamcake. YUMMY!

I usually go to the festival and walk around to find something different and interesting to eat, but this year I walked around to help my food digest. Sunday was much of the same because it was barbeque day...ribs, chicken, hot dogs, bratwursts, bake beans, mac and cheese. My cousin SS even made some cornbread dressing and turkey. Dessert included punchbowl cake, a tasty concoction of yellow cake, pudding, pineapples and whipped cream.

Needless to say, we had a great time. I try to visit and keep in touch with my family throughout the year, but it's always good to see someone physically, give hugs and catch up. The icing on the cake, Aunt Laura wants DQ to spend a week with her this summer! Priceless!