I have married into one of the greatest families. Who would think it possible to enjoy so completely an entire family, and one as large as my husband's? Let me explain.
We recently returned from a Family Reunion of my husband, Michael's, family. We gathered in Sioux Center, Iowa with Michael's parents, siblings, nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins and grandma. I believe the final count was 66 members of the family in attendance. We drove a total of 4000 miles during our trip over 8 days, staying in a total of 3 different locations. We caught up with family not seen for a while, renewed acquaintances with family seen only a few times, and met family for the first time. For Alec and me, the latter category was the most common.
Our first destination was Iowa, where the primary reunion was held. We stayed with a number of other out of town family in the apartments on the Dordt College campus. From this central location we were able to hold some meals, meet for activities, group for Family Photos and hang out in general and get to know each other. Getting the family tree figured out was tricky, but I think I have it down...a difficult task when considering that the youngest sibling is only a few years older than the oldest cousin, and the youngest cousin is still younger than the oldest second cousin...the lines seem kind of blurred, so really? Forget it...we're all family...let's leave it at that!
As if getting to spend time with all these wonderful people wasn't enough, there were also tons of activities planned. There was a delicious Farm Breakfast out at Uncle George's farm, followed later that evening by a Pig Roast--authentic down to the freshest pig you can possibly get (I'll spare the details for myself and my city raised family and friends). It was a great adventure to be able to spend time on a working farm. As a family who obtains ALL their food encased in cellophane and cardboard, it's worthwhile to see the nuts and bolts (seeds and earth?) of the operation. Bethany, Uncle George's daughter, also taught many of us to make Duck Tape purses and wallets. This has nothing to do with farm life. It's just cool. Like Bethany.
We also were able to spend time at Uncle Lloyd's home where he graciously offered the use of his pool. The humidity was...high. The pool was...delightful. The kids frolicking in the pool were...so sweet. Okay, the older boys (Michael and Alec included) were a bit rowdy, but that just added to their charm. We were able to spend two evenings at the pool, and on Sunday we said our Goodbyes to many of the family as they left to head home.
After the reunion, the Bierma/Baas branch of the family tree headed to Colorado to the family cabin for some extra time together. We only spent one full day there with the family (Melinda and Marcia were unable to join us while we were there), but it filled me with such peace that there surely will be a separate entry just for that day! It was the first time for Alec and me to visit the cabin. We had a tough time getting there--the drive was long, the road was rough, and my nerves were shot. But when I awoke on Tuesday morning the world was a different place.
I always enjoy spending time with Michael's family--his parents are my parents and his brothers and sisters are my brothers and sisters. I love them as such and always have. Now I have aunts and uncles and cousins to add to this automatic family of mine. But this time was different, it was...more. Was it the instant extended family that I have always wanted but never managed to maintain with my own? Was it the time I had to get to know my nieces and nephew (finally!)? I know that brought a lot of peace to my heart. Was it the amazing worship service of 65+ family members all worshipping together across 4 generations? I don't know what it was, but I know I'll never be the same again.
