OF ERKEL, REUNIONS, AND.....

I thought I would write a blog on the eve of my upcoming gall bladder surgery. I always laugh when I think of this "procedure" because many 50's and 60's movies spoofed gall bladder surgery because it was the surgery of the rich and famous. I had two "procedures" done on Monday but couldn't find out anything about the results because the doctor had to rush to an emergency surgery!! I'm ready for tomorrow. Besides having Dad at my side, I have a big, thick book to read and my ever-present sewing bag when Dad has to leave for our class, so I can face anything!!

As you can see by our pictures, we have Vale here for the summer. He's now 5'4." We've been treated to many Steve Erkel impersonations. Dad has spent many hours preparing charts, etc. for the first lesson for our class. It will be on the book of Revelation. I'll join him in the teaching when I'm recovered from my surgery.

We went to a shower for Melanie and her beau, Ryan. Baby is due June 8. The bottles on the table are root beer in case anyone's asking!!

Now, some information on the reunion.

Here's a rough sketch of plans:

Monday: Day getting settled into the lodge. Dad, I, Tom, and Nicole will fix an evening meal of spaghetti and all the trimmings.

Tuesday: We'll all travel to Bremerton for a reunion with Grandma which she's really looking forward to. I haven't made the arrangements yet, but the tentative plan is to find a restaurant that has a private dining area to have lunch together.

Wednesday: The Mark Kennedy family will be in charge of the evening meal. I thought this might be a fun day to gather at the house and do a family project. As you can see, Dad has a big wood pile that could be stacked and there's a weedy area that I really want to become "Aunt Annie's garden."

Thursday: Darla, Susan, and Steve's families will be in charge of dinner. How about a Family Home Evening--casual--talent show, etc.?? for the evening?

Friday: We need to check out of the lodge.

For the dinners, please get a grocery list for your meal to us as soon as possible. We'd like to get as many of the groceries at Costco as possible. It isn't necessary to fix a gourmet meal; we just wanted to have everyone share the cooking chores. You'll be cooking the meals at the lodge in a big commercial kitchen. We'll provide breakfasts and lunches.

I have been purchasing markers, paper, etc. and plan to have a crafts table set up each day. I welcome any and all suggestions!! I don't remember seeing any toys in the lodge, although there may have been. There were lots of movies and two tvs. I looked into renting the White Salmon pool, but they don't rent the pool on weeknights. The Hood River Pool is just too costly. The Hood River County Fair begins on the 23rd.

We're so excited to have all of you here. We've discussed having a formal family picture taken but have decided that it's just too cost prohibitive at this time. So, everyone bring your cameras and let's see what we can do for pictures.

Please, please send any ideas and input.

Love to You All, Mom