Traditions

 

Today was a special day of traditions. We’re at my husband’s family reunion in Sunriver, Oregon. It’s a really special tradition – every other year his extended family gets together for a week of fun. And I mean really extended – about 60 of them – all together in several houses.

It’s my 13th reunion, which is crazy. Since day one, so many extended family members welcomed me with open arms. Since then, we’ve lost some beloved family members and gained many new ones via marriages and children. The tradition of the reunion remains a constant source of connection and family as time unfolds.

Everyone largely does what they want during the day and then everyone gets together for dinner each night. A different group is responsible for dinner each night, so you typically only have dinner duty once during the week. Dinner is the time of day where kids run around like crazy on the golf course. You have long conversations with people you only see every few years. And there are lots of laughs to be had.

This year, I’m especially grateful for the traditions. Today, we started the day with the golf tournament – 9 holes (par 3 each) and everyone plays in groups of four or five. Even the little ones. Even those that don’t golf. Typically it takes at least a few hole-in-one’s to win. Today was no different.

Tonight, the bocce tournament kicked off, which pits groups of two players against other teams. My partner is typically my brother-in-law and we successfully beat my niece and nephew (sorry R and G!). Last reunion we made it to the semi-finals…this year we’re gunning for the win.

In between golf and bocce, groups went mountain biking, played at various pools, went shopping, golfed, rode bikes on the extensive paths through-out Sunriver, and simply relaxed. There is no agenda except pure fun.

It’s not all perfect, of course. Any big groups will have their moments – although, really, very few. This year we mis-judged the bedroom count so my husband and I are sleeping on a mattress in the upstairs landing with the bunk room (i.e. very loud room with 5 teenage cousins crammed into it) right beside us. But it’s all good. Because memories will be made.

I love that my kids have a large – very large – ring of extended cousins that are family. Some they only see at the reunion, but they will have a special bond for life. This year there are 14 young cousins – ranging in age from 1 to 16. The big ones play with the little ones and they all make memories together. Tonight on the golf course, while bocce games reigned, there were frisbee games, a large circle of duck-duck-goose, and football passing. It’s pure kid time, pure bliss.

Later, the big kids ride their bikes to the village for milkshakes. I’m awaiting my sister-in-law and several cousins for our traditional watching of the Bachelor. Even those that don’t watch it typically, all pile up in a living room and grade the various male bachelors. Girl time at its finest!

These traditions create memories. And the memories create meaning. I have no doubt they will be some of the most precious memories my kids have. Along with their trips to Missouri to see my family and our various meet-ups in Texas and California.

There’s something special about spending many days together. Enjoying each other. Across generations. I’m grateful for the time, the relaxation, the memories and yes, the traditions that create lifelong connections.