McKitrick Family Reunion

We had a wonderful long weekend with the McKitrick side of the family at the end of the summer.  Lots of food, games, and of course, catching up.  We also got to meet two new people, Chris and Sylvan.  (Well, Charles and I got to meet Sylvan last May, but no one else had).  Little Ariadne got to know everyone as well.  We missed Tom and Lehaina, who were unable to come because of work commitments, but everyone else was there.  First time in seven years!

                          

Tim and Brenda enjoyed the royal gag gift treatment for their 25th wedding anniversary (as well as some real gifts).  Marianne's 29th was just a few days away, and Leslie turned 30.  They had a joint birthday cake!

Kathy and Leslie in with all the balloons.  We had a lot to celebrate!

Everyone took turns cooking.  Sylvan and Marianne's night was a highlight.  There were also many favorite confections made by Aunt Kathy.  Double fudge and butter tarts anyone?

Just a note--all meals were gluten free.  It is possible, even with 19 people at every meal.

Everyone gathered round to see the flambe.  Cooking with fire is always a hit.  Later in the weekend we made s'mores around a fire in the backyard.     

One night there was a tornado warning just as everyone was about to go back to the hotel (or wherever their respective beds were).  We all trouped down to the basement.  As it turned Marianne and Matt had just gotten back from an expedition that left just about everyone age 3-30 with a Nerf gun.  The largest Nerf gun battle I've ever seen ensued.  The kids loved it.  I daresay the 20 and 30-somethings enjoyed it even more.  Kathy thought to grab her camera, but I did not, so if you do not know Kathy, I guess you'll have to imagine it.  The tornado never materialized.    

Risk

Aside from the Nerf fight, most games were of the board variety.  Settlers of Catan, Dominion and Risk all made an appearance.  Canasta is also ever-popular. Solomon got his first chance to play Risk, which he had been waiting for for a long time. He held his own.

More Risk.  It is a very long game.  

Canasta

If it seems that everyone is wearing blue, it is because we all gathered this particular morning (Saturday) for what I've come to think of as the blue picture. A photographer came and did a 19 person family portrait. Our instructions were to wear blue. The proofs have come in, and they all turned out very well. Les and Aunt Kathy are playing with baby Ariadne above.

The girls all enjoyed Snow White while the games were going on. (Don't worry Mom and Dad, Ariadne did not see any scary parts).

Charlotte made friends with Victoria

There were several outings as well.  A contingent went to the State Fair.  Several people headed off to the Mall of America.  I think our family decided it was the better part of valor to stay home and have a nap that afternoon.  I know those that went out had fun.  Solomon and Nova gave an impromptu violin recital.  Toward the end of the weekend Sylvan pulled out his saxophone and Nova grabbed her violin.  They jammed and Charlotte danced.