This year, I decided to hold no pretenses and admit right away if I didn't know someone. "I'm in the Don Stuart side of the family...Dan's youngest son. Who are you again?" The trick is to use that "again" word in there, signifying that at one time you knew their name, even if you've really no idea who they are, how they're related to you or if you've even seen them before in your life.
But it's always a joy to mingle with everyone from far and wide (Oklahoma, Colorado, California, Kentucky, Kansas, Arizona, Washington, Massachusetts, Florida and of course, Texas — someone has to live there...)
Highlights included late nights of Mexican dominoes (a family tradition), introducing the fam to the glorious game of Kungen (my team dominated, of course), sailing on Lake Tenkiller and observing my relatives interact with Sam. As usual, my briton brother-in-law was quite the familial novelty, his cheek and witty humour adding, no doubt, to his intrigue. Good looks AND a sense of humor. Hot damn. Quite the double threat, no?
Oh, I also found out that two of my relatives fought for the North in the Civil War and marched through the South with Sherman's army (much to Sam's chagrin). I guess that means we're Yanks through and through...sorry Samuel.
Here are some shots of the action.
The Don Stuart Branch
My grandpa, Don Stuart, had four siblings, two of which are still living. The reunion encompasses each of my grandpa's siblings' families, as well as my grandpa's line, which happens to be the most prolific. My grandpa Don died in 2003, but certainly his lineage is alive and well. This mass is testament to that. There were 42 people from his side alone.
9 new babies since the 2004 reunion.
Sailing on Lake Tenkiller with Uncle Bob. Powerboating is fun, but for my money, you can't beat windboating. Fortunately we had hearty breezes to fill the sheets.
Cousin Malena.
Me and my co-pilot, Cousin Karina. Some firefighters were doing training nearby and we got to check out their helicopter. The kids got to grub around on all the controls and a few even got to go for a ride in the chopper. We heard about this ride A LOT for the rest of the day.
Nephew Carson in the pilot seat.
Touchdown after "the big ride."
My bro grilling some venison steaks and sausages from the deer he shot in January. Baby Josh is supervising.
Sam hitting the frisbee golf course. For the record I finished one under and Sam a paltry five over.
Some sweet Kungen action.
Bocce ball.
Me and Grandma Stuart
Grandma feeding the kiddos some ice.
My cousins, the Cordovas, who live in Arizona. I'll be visiting them next week out in Phoenix on my way home from picking up mi amiga Julie who has an internship in Tucson this summer. Should be good times on the road.
And what do you know, Milt showed up at the reunion. He was a big hit. I was even a bit jealous with all the compliments he got on his attire. His style is quite unparalleled.
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