Family Mountain Reunion 2021

 Our family has enjoyed many celebrations over the decades. Members of our family often recall the good times we shared at beaches, in backyards, at public parks, and during celebrations. In fact, we've enjoyed these celebrations so much that we are making an effort to keep the tradition going with a number of yearly get-togethers at special places and during significant holidays and events. With this in mind, I decided to dedicate a blog to family reunions since I want to track these efforts as we work to plan events that are happy, positive, and loving. 

Soon, we'll have our growing-up-family reunion, a reunion of interested brothers and sisters and their families. We'll gather at a mountain spot where we spent good times as children. The reunion will include shared meals, hiking, biking, games, and more. Every year this late spring/early summer gathering plays out somewhat differently dependent on who comes, what the weather is like, and multiple other factors. For example, last year the pandemic affected how we planned the event because we wanted everyone to be safe from the virus--that was challenging, but we did it. 

As I think of the reunion days ahead, I am thinking about what's most important for this coming together. 

Acceptance

As our family grows, members choose multiple lifeways and loved ones. What's important here for me is acceptance. I don't want to be a judge, but instead a curious and supportive family member that takes an interest in my family members' multiple paths and the loved ones they choose to share their days with 

Comfort

I want to do what I can to make the event comfortable with good lodging, nutricious delicious foods, and a loose-tight schedule of events. I want the schedule to have enough structure to bring us together, but enough space to let people do their own things. 

Open Mind

I want to bring an open mind to the event as the reunion will be different each year. I want to be open to the new ideas and events that find their way into this event.

Fun

I want to make sure that there's some fun for me too. That fun will heighten positive energy and good will. I'll bring my bike as I always love to ride my bike in beautiful places--that will be fun. 

Attention

As our family grows, there is less time to see one another since people's lives are busy and many live far away from me. These reunions are a chance to know our family members well. I want to make the time to pay attention to my loving family members. I want to learn about their lives and interests. 

Celebration

It's a good time to celebrate family special events, milestones, and accomplishments too. 

I'm looking forward to this annual close-family reunion, and now it's time to do the leg work to make it happen. There are many other reunions coming up in the months ahead with various family groups. I look forward to planning and reviewing these events as one way to help keep our family ties strong in the years to come. Onward.