A few weeks ago we gathered for our bi-annual Lake Family Reunion. We met at the Lovell LLL ranch. The event was well planned with 100% attendance and we had a lot of fun. There was a nice balance of planned activities and free time for game playing, visiting, and golfing. Here are just a few of the activities we enjoyed -

We all tie-dyed our own t-shirts, messy but fun

Oma spent lots of time with her grandchildren

The kids played in "the fort" which is an old grain shed converted into a western style fort. They formed a "Cousins Club"

We had relay races and classic group games like the three-legged race and the human knot.

Grandpa Lake came up for a day. His great-grandchildren surprised him with handfuls of wild flowers they gathered on an outing into the forest.

One activity was a trip around the world. Each of the men prepared a little presentation about the country where they served their mission. Steve served in Honduras and demonstrated the birthday tradition of cracking an egg on the head after singing to the birthday child. My nephew T was a good sport!

Other brothers/father-in-law served in Russia, Germany, California, and Mexico.

Fisher served in Finland and taught the kids the art of the Finnish sauna. They skipped the sauna part and went straight for the ice cold lake experience (a bathtub filled with ice). Lou was so cold she started crying.

At each country, the girls got a stamp on their "passports"

We hooked up the little trailer behind the ATV and took a ride once or twice a day... usually in the evening when the kids were starting to get a little whiney/crazy.

Fisher waiting to spray the unsuspecting victims coming down the water slide. He looked so cute and mischievous waiting there.

Wahoo! and Brr!

Jumping on the tramp to warm up after the water slide... not many trampolines have such a great view!

During the reunion everyone "earned" G.O. (Grandpa and Oma) Bucks for helping, being kind, being cute, etc... Grandpa and Oma were the distributors of these currency. The last night of the reunion there was an auction with some pretty serious prizes. Grandpa was the auctioneer.

There were plenty of cute nieces to pass around.

We spend an afternoon at Jefferson Lake and then had a hot dog roast at Great Grandpa Lake's house.

Oma brought the biggest marshmallows I have ever seen. YUM!

Thanks to our planners C & S and Ba & Ry for planning such a great reunion!!!