Family reunion...

I was privileged to be part of a family reunion this past weekend. My Dad's side of the family got together in State College.

His side of the family is huge. If you go three generations above me, there were three brothers... two sides were represented. The oldest brother, Casper, had 7 children. The youngest, Paul, the branch I'm from, had 5 children. My one cousin had counted 48-50 people present.

I was kicking myself for throughout the weekend because I had lived in Bellefonte for six months, and never realized that I had about 10-12 cousins within about a 20-mile radius. Plenty still live in Philipsburg, a few in State College, and a few in Boalsburg.

On Casper's side, great Aunt Rose passed away in February. We had a brief but classy memorial service for her at the start of the day on Saturday. Then, we all headed to Black Moshannon State Park for a picnic, and the big family portrait. We had relatives from California, Chicago, Georgia, Louisiana, Virginia, Maryland, New York, and all over PA present. My cousin Paige and I almost won the egg toss. I didn't get the lowest score in the family quiz... even though the questions were 99% involving Casper's side. Cousin Peter helped me a few questions.

We later went to Cousin Danny's nice, big house, in the shadow of Beaver Stadium, to eat more, play a few games, and listen to music. Cousin Scott from California has his own band, "Smitty West." Scott, Danny, and Scott's son, Ernie, did a nice job, considering they didn't rehearse.

We wrapped up the weekend with breakfast at Cousin Kim's. I also learned that Cousins Amy and Greg have scuba-dived in the Arctic, and explored the Antarctic. Way cool.

We're talking about getting together again next year. I hope so... Mom and Dad didn't get the chance to go. Plus, with two of my great aunts passing within the last year, we all wanted to get together again nad have some fun. We sure did.

Buckle up and don't be allergic to life,
TS