proud to be an outlaw - Part 2

Aside from the fun of getting to know new relatives, I thought the different activities we took part in throughout the weekend were unique and fun! We missed Friday's activities - and that was disappointing because they played a family trivia game which revealed unusual facts about different family members - plain hilarious....On Saturday several organized groups went out about the town for planned tours.....we went on the Sandia Peak Tram (which I'll write about later).

After lunch and pictures, there was the traditional "auction". Every reunion people bring artwork, items they don't need anymore, and family heirloom items to be auctioned off. All who participate sit and listen to Uncle Loren (Merl's brother) go through each item to be sold like an authentic auction.....with the rolling chatter to boot! I was thrilled to purchase some of Grandpa Miller's old books - a hymnal, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Evangeline", an old reader - all with copyright dates in the very early 1900's. The proceeds from each auction are always split up and given to the families of William's grandchildren to help with the expense of attending the reunion.

My favorite treasure however was a "Farm Account Book" which belonged to Grandpa Miller - full of his accounting in his own handwriting from the year 1925. Love it!

The proceeds from each auction are always split up and given to the families of William's grandchildren to help with the expense of attending the reunion.

The kids enjoyed writing their own names into the family tree throughout the day. I was touched by how interested Ryan and Madison were in visiting with Daddy's aunts and uncles - taking interest in listening and interacting with them. And then running to hug them good-bye at the end of the weekend.

Saturday evening was the "Evening of Excellence" - which featured just about every type of talent one could think of.....piano, guitar, vocal, funny skits, personal sharing, recitations, tap dancing, you name it! Many participated - from Jonathan at age 3 all the way up to those in their 70's! It was impressive to think of all the talent and interests represented as well as careers of those in the family.....teachers, businessmen, medical professionals, landscapers, auto mechanics, truck drivers, the list goes on.

Apparently the siblings enjoy a traditional hymn sing on Sunday mornings - mostly memorized.....and then we enjoyed the preaching from one of Merl's cousins. After lunch it was more sightseeing - we opted for the Botanical Garden/Aquarium.

Sunday evening was capped off by a time of sharing from the various siblings and family members about their family memories. Grandpa Miller and the mothers were honored, sisters and brothers affirmed, funny "one liners" given. Love, regrets, forgiveness, and graditude expressed. I admire and appreciate how these thoughts were expressed in the present rather than after someone has died.

A lot of people dread reunions - they seem to fear sharing their life. I realize that for many families a reunion like this is not possible due to dysfunction.....complicated issues. But every family has failure, imperfection, mistakes....that is reality. It seems this family has experienced a lot of that - but the love of Jesus and each other seems to have healed much of it.

The weekend reminded me to seize opportunities...... the time is now to share love, affection, and appreciation..... enjoy the company of one another - invest in their lives - and share my own.