BLT Reunion 2014 ~ Part 1

It's that time of year again. The annual BLT Reunion just wrapped up. What a great reunion it was. This is the first one I've attended in a few years. Due to health issues as well as work schedule conflicts, I wasn't there. Emile and Brie, however, were able to go. I will honestly say that I'm glad I made it a priority to attend this year. It was great seeing everyone. You seem to forget how much you have missed people until you see them again.

This year our family decided to stay at Lake Anna in Mineral, VA. It was a much closer location for those of us in PA, was a bit more centrally located for all family members, and the price was better. On the way to VA, we made detour and ended up going to Luray Caverns. I had heard about it numerous times, however, I had never had the opportunity to go there. What a beautiful place.

Luray Caverns was discovered on August 13, 1878. The vast underground cavern contains stalactites, stalagmites, speleothems, flowstone, an underground mirrored lake, a "wishing well," and the Great Stalacpipe Organ.

The wishing well is just that. People close their eyes, make a wish, and toss a coin (or bill) into the well. Periodically the well is "emptied" and the money is sent to various charities. There is a sign hanging above the well outlining exactly where the money went, including the amounts. Pretty cool!

The Great Stalacpipe Organ

When we were on the tour, the guide told us that there have been several weddings held in the cavern. We were able to listen to essentially a "player" type musical piece while we were in the area of the organ. AMAZING!!

One other very special part of the cavern was the Veterans Memorial. Those men who served or lost their lives from Page County, Virginia, are remembered.

There is honestly no way to describe how spectacular Luray Caverns are. I have never before seen such beauty in the form I saw underground. I suppose it's another example of how much we "miss" when we don't stop and take the time to explore what we have been blessed with here on earth. Who knows, maybe someday I'll make a trip back to explore Luray with my future grandchildren....

BLT Reunion 2014 ~ Part 2

 As I began to share in Part 1, the BLT Reunion took place a short time ago.

This year's gathering was held at Lake Anna. It was a positively gorgeous location. Unfortunately we had a lot of rain the majority of the time, but that didn't dampen our spirits. We still found plenty to do. It was so great to be with the majority of our family members. Those who were unable to attend this year were missed. It's always nice to have time together. 

The way we "run" the reunion is pretty cool. Two families sign up to provide one meal. That's the only meal you have to worry about preparing, serving, and cleaning up after. It goes without saying though that everyone is willing to pitch in and help as needed. Emile and I signed up for Saturday morning breakfast. We served a continental style breakfast. The night before we left for Lake Anna, we baked a variety of muffins. In addition to that we served various hot and cold cereals, yogurts, applesauce, fresh fruits, juices, and hot cocoas. Being the "overachiever" I am, I had to make sure that everything not only tasted good, but also looked appealing. Everyone seemed to enjoy what was offered, and there was plenty left over to "munch on" throughout the weekend. Next year I plan on doing the same thing. I love serving the first morning....

Some of the highlights of the reunion include the family meeting we hold. It's a nice opportunity for everyone to be "updated" on events that have taken place during the previous year. As I already mentioned, we were missing a few loved ones. Teresa's husband, Lee, Cindy's husband, Keith, Ben, Anya, and their three kiddos, Tony, and Corey, were unable to attend. In all fairness, it wasn't until I was on my way to this years reunion that it dawned on me that we have never invited Corey (our dad's son from his second marriage) to join us for the BLT. We discussed it at the family meeting and everyone agreed that Corey (and his soon to be wife, Mallory) is absolutely going to be invited to attend from this point forward. He is a part of our family as well.... and we want him to be included in more family gatherings. I really hope they are able to join us next year.

From B-Brenda, L-Lucinda, and T-Teresa, you get the picture of what the future is looking like. These little ones are the third generation.... the ones who will someday, hopefully, continue with the tradition which was started a few years ago. If I have to count correct, we "officially" have 46 family members (strictly from we three sisters, and our two brothers). As the years pass those numbers are going to grow, and obviously as some of us pass away, the numbers will also shrink. But how cool is it to see our posterity all together like this?!! To make it a priority to gather together, to visit, play games, enjoy being entertained by the talented "little ones," watch movies, share meals, reminisce, and make new memories is really what family is about. Next year will bring new opportunities. Some will be missing (due to possible work assignments, missions, personal challenges), but we will still carry on the gathering... We will celebrate all that makes us the wonderful family we are.