Nevin Reunion 2014

This was our year for a whirlwind trip (10 days) to the states.  In that time we had to touch bases in Illinois and California for 2 different family reunions.  Chris and Caleb were already in the states for gym camp so the girls and I flew out to meet them as soon as they finished their last day of school.

Delayed Flight

Even with all the logistical planning you do beforehand, ultimately the airlines (and weather) control all.  After we met the boys in Newark, New Jersey, we found our flight to be delayed due to thunderstorms.  As the flight continued to be delayed more and more, we started to worry about our arrival into St. Louis.  Sure enough, by the time we landed, our rental car company was closed for the night!

Arrived, but Stranded

A lot of brainstorming and phone calls later and it was Grandpop Nevin who saved us.  He called his home teacher at 11:30 p.m. to see if he could borrow their suburban and rooftop carrier.  Then the next morning we had to return the suburban and drive out to the airport to pick up our rental car . . . all before church.  Phew!

One of my highlights for our entire state-side visit, was getting to see my grandparents.  It had been 5 years since we visited them in Florida.  Now they have made the move up to Illinois to be closer to my parents, as they live in a near-by assisted living facility.

Visiting with Grandmom & Grandpop Corey

 These two are some of my favorite people in the world!  I was a little nervous to see my grandma as she is suffering from dementia and I hear all the stories from my parents, but she seemed great to me, in comparison.  I noticed that she didn’t call us by name, but used endearments like “sweetheart,” which isn’t abnormal.  She always referred to Chris as ‘your husband.’  Whatever prepping Grandpop did on the way over stuck as she knew we always send cards for birthdays, mother’s and father’s days, etc. and the kids always sign them.  This was a perfect snap-shot in time for me!

Grandparents are the Best!

Later that day, we drove out to the location of our Nevin Reunion – Trout Lodge in Potosi, Missouri (a YMCA camp).  We stayed in a multi-level cabin and had a great few days together enjoying all the YMCA had to offer.  We had all the family there, except for Martha’s husband, Shaun who had a week-long required class back in San Diego.  He was sorely missed!

Water-front Fun 

Boys on Water Trampoline

It was great to have activities for the varied ages of our group.  The older boys (and men) had fun clowning around, while the women enjoyed watching from the shore. The younger kids got to enjoy the beach and chasing little water critters.

Cami & Landon on the Shore

After Cami and Landon tried to trap a little run-away crab, Aunt Helen was the one who finally got it (and released it in a deeper part of the water).

Hooray for Brave Aunts

The older cousins enjoyed their time to do some of the ‘older kid’ / unsupervised activities.  Of course, we can count Aunt Eliza as an ‘older kid’!  They had a great time being pulled along behind a speed boat on the banana pontoon.

Emma, Hannah, Caleb, Gavin, & Mason

Coming in from the Ride

Wet!

Uncle Will spent hours in some of the camp’s kayaks.  It was fun to try to find where he was at any certain period of time.  The drawback for Uncle Will was forgetting to put on sunscreen.  The life-jacket sunburn line wasn’t really a fashion statement.

Uncle Will in the Kayak

The cousins also tried out some of the other water crafts they had stored at the lake.

Gavin Paddle-boarding

Hannah, Cami, & Chris on Paddleboat

One of the easiest water experiences we had was taking a boat tour around Trout Lake.  Grandmom Nevin even came with us!

Caleb, Gavin, Mason

Emma, Cami, Aunt Danielle

Becca & Emma

Land Activities

One can only do so much water sports.  The kids had all pre-decided what events they were interested in doing during our stay at the camp so we stuck to schedule and were able to give them those experiences.

Caleb & Mason Rock-Climbing

Some experiences were a little scarier than others, but they each encouraged the others and had a fun time.

Hannah on Zip-line

Uncle Russell on Zip-line

Becca – Archery

Cami – Archery

The littlest ones were mostly happy to be along for the ride.  They were great sports at hanging out and watching, while getting plenty of attention from other aunts/uncles/cousins.

James

Family Volleyball

Aunt Helen / Uncle Russell

Mini-Golf

Britton

Mason & Caleb – Frisbee

Hoping for no rain during our stay was probably hoping for too much.  During our down times in the cabin, we had plenty of games to keep us occupied.

Grandpop & Cami – Backgammon

Caleb & Gavin – Chess

Emma, Chris, Eliza – Rummikub

Then when the rain stopped, the outside was that much more enjoyable!

Ice Cream!!

Uncle Will never leaves home without his tackle box.  As our resident fisherman, Uncle Will patiently explained the fine art of casting, holding the rod, and when to reel it in.

Initial Instructions

After the initial instructions, the kids got to have their own try.

Cami’s Turn

In the end, none of the kids caught anything, but they had a great time trying.  It’s all about the experience anyway, right?

Hannah Reeling In

Final Activities

No reunion seems complete without the group shop . . . and t-shirts!  I got to design the t-shirt with lots of feedback from Helen.  It will be fun to look back and see how our family has grown in following years.

T-shirt Design

As Trout Lodge is a big place for family reunions, this seemed to be the picture spot.  We had to keep our eyes on it to see when it was open.

Pre-Picture Chaos

Nevin Family Reunion 2014

The Original Family

Fab-Five

Grandkids

On our final night, we gathered for a campfire where Dad became quite ceremonious.  He declared he was retiring his first gift Mom ever gave him – a wool-lined denim jacket from 40 years ago.

THE Denim Jacket

Then he placed it on the fire to burn.  As the wool started to burn, it actually became quite smelly, but it did burn.

Ceremoniously Burning

Afterward, Dad opened it up for any comments and everyone was very thankful for the time we had spent together.  We talked about the importance of family and wanting to do reunions every year.  So, we’ll have to start organizing next year!

Round the Campfire

You can’t have a campfire without s’mores.  It was the perfect way to end the few days we had together.  We played hard, enjoyed each others’ company, and renewed our family ties . . . exactly what family reunions are for.

Evening S’mores