My parents of fifteen children hosted a family reunion here in Waynesville, North Carolina over the 4th of July weekend. It had been two years since the last one. There were babies walking, talking and running who had been in infant seats in 2007. They are now 2-3 year olds with different perspectives on being driven hundreds of miles from their homes to be surrounded by people they've never seen before or don't recall doing so. Different foods, out of whack schedules, and lots of noise can make the whole experience both pleasant and miserable for many children. Some seemed more sensitive and others more flexible. It's a good idea to bring familiar foods, toys and blankets as comfort items for young ones.
The toddler group missed naps and got cranky. One little guy went to sleep with his head in the corner of a chair with his hinny in the air. There were some complete meltdowns with tears and pleading voices sobbing, "I wanna go home." The 4-6 year olds found interesting ways to entertain each other. Some gathered rocks. Some threw them just to hear the noise they made. Others tried wading in the not quite Florida-warm waters of the Pigeon River. One or two tried to jump across the koi pond and went swimming with the fishes. We don't know how, but one six-year old ended up with kerosene in her hair. Now is a good time to mention that you cannot possibly child-proof every building on a small farm. Everyone has to be prepared for the unexpected and keep their eyes peeled. We learned a long time ago that you should never assume someone else is watching your children. Planned activities can include a wading pool, balls of all sizes and kinds, watermelon seed spitting contests, pinatas and short sightseeing trips to see waterfalls and the Indians at Cherokee.
Some of the teenagers didn't make the reunion but the young adults thoroughly enjoyed the pit fire at the cabins and the bonfire at Uncle Paul's. The twenty and thirty-somethings grabbed moments for visiting and relaxing while their children were occupied elsewhere or napping. The older siblings, in-laws and couples enjoyed cooking at various homes and, at the Jukebox Junction Restaurant where we gathered for the largest meals. It just happens to be family owned! Grandchildren and great-grandchildren were everywhere. Everyone contributed to the reunion in some way or other. Cars and vans loaded with relatives departed throughout today. Others leave tomorrow and the rest at the end of the week. Those who live up here know they've got eighteen months before the planning starts again. Everyone has warm memories.
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