Family is soooooo important. When God has blessed a family with lots of members who grow up and have lots of family of their own, then there comes a day when everyone has to make special plans just to get everyone together, once a year or so.
So, here are some photos from a typical Texas family reunion, along with a little commentary on some things that a person will find if they just happen to get invited to attend a family reunion.
First of all, someone has to choose a location, some place where there is space for folks to set up lawn chairs, and enough tables for everyone to be able to eat without having to use their laps as tabletops.
Next, in my humble opinion, there should be some sort of water...a river, lake or pool to keep the kids busy while all the old folks catch up on all the news.
A pavilion is always nice. This one is available to people who live nearby, as long as they make a reservation in advance.
Food....now, that's the best part! Usually, it is pot luck, with someone doing a little barbeque, and others bringing the side dishes. Paper plates are a must, by the way.
Here's a very traditional reunion meal....dixie plate, plastic knife and fork, brisket with barbeque sauce, beans, cucumber salad, macaroni salad, guacamole and a couple of cherry tomatoes. Yummy!
It is always an added bonus if someone volunteers to make home-made ice cream. This batch was made by cranking the sugary sweet milk mix by hand. There were plenty of boys to take turns turning the crank handle until the ice cream was done.
Oh, and if there is water, with swimming, there will always be big boys throwing little boys into the water. Always. The younger boys scream as they are captured and hoisted in the air, but they keep coming back for more, so they must like it.
Not everyone in the family has a boat. You just need one uncle or grandfather or dad to bring his pride and joy, and the faster the boat, the better.
At this reunion, which took place on the Colorado river (not the same river that is actually in Colorado, by the way), one boat was not enough for the crowd. Later in the day, someone rented a jet ski, which several people enjoyed.
At some point, everyone has eaten their fill, visited enough, and worn out all the kiddos. It is then time to go home. Everyone packs up their coolers and lawn chairs, passes out hugs and kisses, and promises to meet again.
That's a family reunion, Texas style.
