A Gift

What is that yonder gift so grand?
Is it a star to hold in my hand?


We line up - eager for this secret gift that has been given us. What is it? It looks huge? Some say it was the Trojan Horse. Some say a flower that bring sunshine everywhere it goes.

Wait! They've uncovered it! Could it be? Why, its better than our wildest dreams!

To lay sod has always been a dream of mine! How amazing that I should be given this gift and not only to me, but to the whole family. A gift is no gift if it cannot be shared with family.

There were those who helped and those who supported...

And without either - this lawn would still be undone.

What DO we actually do there?

Talking, eating and reading are our main priorities on these trips.

Be warned - you come you must entertain random children...and sometimes dogs.

There is always lots of 4-wheeling.

And if your children are too rambunctious - they will be hog tied and hung from a tree.

TOAST!

The Talent portion: where articles are read

As always - the talent show was Tanna's favorite at the ranch. The enjoyment on their faces are enough to tell the whole story. Where are the others? Paula used her poor grandson as an excuse to stay at the cabin while Amanda and Byron fell asleep due to the peace and spirit that was brought forth by those in attendance. Miranda was trying to keep Aidan from ringing the bell and yelling out "Ok - I'm done. Let's go."


Tanna and Diane Wilson sit on the edge of their seats in anticipation for the next act.


Diane was so excited about the talent show. She had to take the last available seat which was behind a small tree. To improve her view, she knocked it over. Don't worry Aunt Di - they'll send you the bill.

And the award goes to....

During dinner on the last night, it was discovered that a member of the family was missing. Those around the missing person were held for questioning before a live studio audience. Included persons of interest were: Darrel Trost - weight lifter and womanizer, Paula Schafer - whom unbeknownst to us is Greek, Diane Trost - who moonlights as a radio talk show therapist and Tanna Wilson - who unsurprisingly is a self absorbed make up artist to the stars. ;)

After nearly 2 hours of questioning it was thought amongst the family that the missing person was the one who wrote the murder mystery. At least...they hoped.

S'more fun!

After a long day of fun and excitement, the family decided to make s'mores. With the fire pit occupied, we decided that fire is fire. Man make fire. Girl roast marshmallow.




Tanna B was the first to try the s'more ala lighter fire. She was quoted as saying "mmmm....".

Diane, the supposed older and wiser adult in our group decided...hey - why not. "These are wicked awesome!" She said. Later that night she was observed holding the lighter in her hand saying "fire" repeatedly.

Byron, the scientist behind it all, discovered that you could still burn a marshmallow with a lighter, thus ending the 12 year debate over whether or not an actual fire pit was needed to make s'mores.

Some marshmallows were a success while others just looked abused. In the end: a s'more is a s'more is a s'more.

More to come...

I'm having a problem with the internet here at mom's house. I'll have a bunch more pictures up from the reunion soon.

Limerick, anyone?

After a long day of sitting in the sun, riding 4-wheelers, enduring the talent portion of the reunion, sitting through 12 hours of a murder mystery, roasting marshmallows over the open flame of a lighter and spending 3 days with our lovely family - it was inevitable that we would go a little crazy. But a good crazy.

After discussing the horrific happenings in Canada (apparently about a canadian muslim midget) we decided to tell ghost stories.

Tannabey Jones was a name given to Tanna after having heard Aidan call her Tanna B all weekend. How she ended up as a male Canadian midget....we have no idea. Maybe that is the horror of the limerick?

There once was a Canadian midget
He liked to wear shorts and fidget.
He fell down a hill
He took quite a spill.

His name...was Tannabey Jones.