Our family reunion

Michael, Kimberly, and Evelyn

Linda and Michael

Each year, we try to get our children and their families together at least once. This year, we planned a day at the Cleveland Zoo and then some time by the pool at our hotel. Pamela’s baby shower, arranged by Linda, was scheduled for Saturday, August 4, so we planned around that date, with the visit to the zoo on Friday. The time together was absolutely the best. We arrived on Thursday late afternoon, and soon after, Kimberly, Michael, and Evelyn came over. They live close by, so it was an easy commute for them. The kids were in the pool immediately, and so they were happy with the arrangements. Soon after, Dan, Lesli, and Thomas arrived. They were staying at a nearby, and a little less expensive hotel. Scott and Pamela arrived a short while later. Scott had taken the day off with a ticket to the PGA at Firestone. He had already had a great day getting to watch Tiger Woods up close, amongst other things. We decided to order in pizza after seeing another group do the same. Kimberly had brought an ice chest, so we had cold beverages on hand. It was a very enjoyable evening with Michael and Evelyn swimming until we pulled them out. Kimberly got into swimming as well. Lesli’s brother Scott lives very close to the hotels, so they were off early in the evening to visit him.

Michael, Thomas, and Lesli

The next day, Scott and Pamela both worked, so they passed on the trip to the zoo. The zoo crowd met at Bob Evans for breakfast, and then we picked up sandwiches on our way to the zoo. It was very warm and quite humid, so we wore out fast. The grandchildren enjoyed it, especially Thomas. Michael and Evelyn were more anxious to get back to the hotel for more swimming. None of us minded getting out of the heat. We all returned to pool side at the hotel. Scott and Pamela arrived after work, and we ordered to go from TGI Fridays. After dinner, they surprised me with a cake to celebrate my upcoming retirement. This was a very special moment for me. Lesli’s brother Scott’s band was playing that evening in Cleveland at a blues club, so they were off early to see him play. They had arranged for us to babysit for the evening, but when they planned a 1 am return, we suggested coming for Thomas in the morning instead. This worked out well, with the only fuss being around Grandma changing his diaper the first time.

Saturday was arranged around the baby shower. Kim had some errands to run, so she dropped off Michael and Evelyn for the morning. We were, of course, happy to have them. We stayed away from the pool area and did other things together, saving the swimming for later in the day. They all left around lunchtime for the shower. Dan and I watched the kids, which we did poolside.

Pamela (mother to be)

By all accounts, the shower was wonderful. Linda was apprehensive as she made the arrangements at a tea room in Medina. Having never seen the place, she had to keep her fingers crossed, but the place was great, as was the service. It was a small gathering as expected, but a nice size for the tea room setting. She will have a much larger shower later, which is being arranged by her mother-in-law.

Carrie, Simone, Tammy, Andrea, and Lesli

Pamela, Kimberly, Carrie, and Simone

Tammy, Andrea, Lesli, and Pamela

Dan and Lesli had to drive back to Grand Rapids, Michigan, that evening. It was sad to see them on their way. The rest of us went out for dinner at Champps, which worked out well. The service and the food were excellent, as was the conversation. Later, we had to send everyone on their way as Linda and I were exhausted, and we were facing another busy day.

Silvia (Linda's cousin), Elizabeth (Linda's mom)

On Sunday, we drove to update New York for the Hammond reunion. This is Linda’s family on her mother’s side. This was held at Farmer Phil’s and her sister Lois’s cabins in Howard, New York. They have hosted this for several years. They always host the Turkey Federation the day before, so facilities are in place for both events. After this, we continued our trip home to Ariel, spending the night at Norm’s mother’s home. It was good to arrive back to Ariel on Mondays after an incredibly busy week.