You might have seen this by now, but for those of you who haven't this made me laugh.
Click here to see what I'm talking about.
I don't even have anything profound to say. It just livened up my day. I hope it does the same for you. Check it out and see if it does yours as well.
P.S. Thanks to Stephanie for sending this to me originally.
I'm back in the saddle again. It's been a while since I posted, so I've got even more to catch up on than before. I still haven't watched a single episode of Friends or Seinfeld, but I've been so busy, I haven't blogged either.
Over the 4th, Vicki's mom and dad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. So, the whole immediate family gathered together – Vicki's brother, his wife and two sons, Vicki's sister, her husband and 4 kids, and Vicki and I with Riley and Mckenna – all in Gatlinburg Tennessee for 4 days of "well mannered fun and frivolity." (bonus points for the person who can identify that movie quote). We had a great time together. The "cabin" we stayed in was huge and had an awesome view of the Smokey Mountains. We cooked and ate all our meals at the house, took a hike into Smokey Mountain National Forest to a waterfall up a ways, but mostly just hung around and enjoyed each other's company.
Leaving was bitter sweet. Vicki's dad commented how 50 years had produced what was all gathered around. But, with Curt heading off to college and Steven following shortly after, it is likely the last time we will all be together in one place at the same time. It's so hard, as lives get busy and families move, to all get together.
I was watching a special on the 1980 Olympic Hockey team that beat the Russians. It was an incredible story. But one of the interesting things was that since that time, all 20 of the guys have not been together since. They've had reunions, but there has always been a few guys missing for one reason or another.
I don't think we realize just how special and precious those times are when family is gathered all together in one place. I know we took full advantage of it over the 4th, by not scheduling a bunch of "activities" to keep us busy. Instead, we ate together – which is always a good thing. I grilled two nights and cooked one. Everyone brought food and drinks – and man did we have plenty. Our only "planned" activity was the hike. We all wore the same Old Navy shirts – which the boys fussed about – but it was cool. People on the trail all knew we were together and some even commented or asked about us.
Some family reunions are a hassle – including some relatives you wish weren't in your family tree. But this was not like that at all. We all get along, despite very different personalities, and love and respect each other. It made for a great few days.
I wonder if what we had together is what heaven will be like – one big family reunion with all the people we love. I don't know, but I suspect at least some of that will be true. I have no idea how it will work, but I'm looking forward to seeing it in action (another bonus quote) – "but not yet."
