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Monday, July 09, 2012

So Long, Farewell ---

I love this picture of the 8 of us kids together!

Back Row left to right: Rick, Mike, Scott, David, Mark

Front Row left to right: Joy, Me, Mary ((Notice the legs all crossed the same way? SISTERS!))

Remember that song from “The Sound of Music” where the Von Trapp children are singing their farewells to the grown-ups who had gathered for the fancy soiree?

This is the soundtrack that is playing through my mind as various family members pack up their cars, vans and trucks and head down the mountain toward home.

There weren’t many of us left by late afternoon yesterday ---and we spent a quiet evening at home just talking and relaxing and watching the remaining cousins wear themselves out silly.

One of the other fun things instigated by my two sisters, Mary & Joy, and my mom is a jewelry exchange for our last evening here.

((Yes, I have an AUNT Joy and a SISTER Joy! We’ve also got two Davids, two Michaels, Kelly and Kelli and two Marks!))

What is a jewelry exchange? We’ve all got earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other fun things that are sitting around clogging up drawer space. And we all know that it is more fun to play with someone else's stuff than our OWN stuff ----

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I should have taken a picture when we first started, but the “game” goes like this: Bring all your unwanted jewelry and place it on the tray on the lazy susan in the center of the table.

Everyone takes turns removing what they want from the tray one at a time.

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You can opt out if it gets to the point where there isn’t anything you want anymore. Anything left over that is unclaimed is donated to the local thrift shop. It's a win-win for everyone! And I'll remember my mom and my sisters when I wear their jewelry through the next year.

OH! I just had a brain storm --- what if we turned this into a “Dirty Santa” type thing and started opting for the things others have already claimed? LOL! Might have to do that next year!

It was a lot of fun, and next year I’ll be digging for more stuff that I want to swap out!

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Here we all are….cracking up on what it took to get this photo with a camera set on timer and the photographer running like a crazy woman to get into the picture in time before it snapped!

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Here are the 8 of us plus my mom & stepdad ---

I’m the oldest, so starting on the right and working left, it’s me, Mark, Scott, Rick, Joy, David, Mike, and Mary ---and of course, Mom & Gary in front!

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And just because we ARE “THAT” kind of family – no family photo session is complete without "The Return of the Zombies!"

This morning we are off to the airport. Aunt Joy and cousin Andy are on their way back to Minnesota. Jason is headed back to South Carolina ---and off I go to OREGON!!

29 comments:

  1. How wonderful that you were all able to get together for fun and photo-taking! Love that last photo where you're all acting silly... we do that in at least one of our family photos... it's hysterical!

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  2. Anonymous7:16 AM EDT

    Lovely family and enjoyed every post. It looked like all enjoyed being together..and all those flowers/gardens..wow! Thank you for sharing w/us your loyal readers.

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  3. great family! having a large family is so great - half of your siblings have names that belong to some of my siblings and we have some repeat names as well in the other generations and then with in laws as well.
    Karen

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  4. Are you positive you told Gary to change to a zombie for the second photo? :]

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  5. looks and sounds like you got your battery recharged to the max!

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  6. It looks like you all had fun, great memories!

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  7. Great pictures Bonnie!! So glad you had fun and enjoyed the time with your family. Times like that are so refreshing when you travel as much as you do :*) And it looks like your family is a fun bunch!

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  8. Awesome, just awesome!
    Travel safe Bonnie.

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  9. I wanna be in your family!! What fun!! See you in Oregon!!

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  10. What a fun family time you have had. So glad you got to take part in all the festivities. Have a great time in Oregon...I would love to go there sometime. Enjoy!

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  11. Your family is just like the family I had. There were 3 girls and 5 boys in our family. Unfortunately, we have lost 3 of the boys and of course, our mom and dad. It is wonderful that you all can get together and enjoy those beautiful mountains with your mom. What a good looking family!!

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  12. Anonymous8:51 AM EDT

    Thank you for sharing your family and family reunion with us. It was great! Get some rest! "See" you in Oregon.

    Jessica

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  13. Cindy, The Purple Quilter9:20 AM EDT

    Thanks for sharing your family with all of us. I have followed your posts all week and enjoyed each and every one!! :)

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  14. Your siblings are the opposite of mine. I have 4 sisters and 3 brothers!
    Have a wonderful time at Sisters Quilt Show and take photos of the most spectacular quilts. I have to pass this year, but Jeff said he would like to go back too!

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  15. I loved your family pictures, especially the one where the sisters mimic each others' pose! I only have four siblings, and we ALWAYS line up according to age, even if there are only two of us. Getting the full group together has become a rare occasion, but always fun

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  16. Looks like a great time. I hope it was as good as it looked! Forward to Oregon now!!

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  17. Anonymous9:48 AM EDT

    I have so enjoyed reading about your family visit. What a great time! The "tea party" girls in their hats and gloves were so precious. Thank you for sharing.

    Darlis

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  18. The jewelry exchange sounds fun! I only have one sister, but many Sister's by Love. I think this would be fun for a Christmas exchange with my Daughters. Love, Love , Love the Family pictures. I can't tell who the last one to run into the picture was. I got to Sisters before you, still thinking of how to go back this week-end.

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  19. Smiled all the way through this post! Love it!

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  20. What a wonderful family visit. I've so enjoyed sharing it with you. Thanks!

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  21. What is the age difference between you and Mary?

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  22. Family reunions are so much fun. I have five brothers and one sister, last time we all were together was 1998. I love the idea of jewelry swapping! What a nice way to get new stuff, with all the sentimental attachment of getting it from a family member.

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  23. Anonymous5:13 PM EDT

    Just LOVE the family pictures and know everyone is going to enjoy them again and again and again over the years to come.

    I have a mess of jewelry that I could send you to take next time.... seems like a great plan....

    On to Sisters! wish I was going.....

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  24. How fun! That's what I imagine my family will be doing 10 years from now. I also have 5 brothers and 2 sisters, but the youngest siblings are still in grade school.

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  25. I love the jewelry swap. You all look like you were having fun.
    Enjoy Sister's.

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  26. OK, I have two things to say, you look like your mom and your brother Mike has a huge tongue! Looks like you had a fun time, I envy you having a family this big!

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  27. Thank you SO much for sharing your family with us all. Wonderful posts.

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  28. Anonymous10:40 AM EDT

    Have you noticed yet that your Mom crosses her legs the same way that the girls do? Have a blessed day,

    Verity

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  29. Really enjoyed reading your blog about your family reunion! Sounds like a great place and your mom's gardens are just beautiful.

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