Family Reunions

Sunday was the Annual Thompson reunion & the same "discussion" occurred between Brad & I. He complains that he doesn't want to go to his reunion, why should he "want" to go to my reunion? Well, I personally think it important to go & I love any opportunity to see my Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, cousins & their respective families. Reunions are good because they "force" this opportunity. However, I must be honest & admit that my "catching up with family" does not extend too far outside of the family that I already know. I probably have gone to 75% of the reunions, but I still don't know who everyone is...too much time is spent with those who I do know & catching up on what is going on in their lives.
Frankly, I don't really understand the grumbling that Brad insists on doing. I truly believes that he likes my family (if not, he does a pretty good job of faking it) & it is not like I subject him to speaking with the family members that he doesn't know (nor do I for that matter). I firmly believe that he does it because he thinks it is "expected". Everyone's day-to-day life is very busy & it is very easy for you to miss opportunities to get to know your family better or provide the opportunity for your children to get to know their family better. I love taking Sydney to family functions & watching her get to know her cousins & slowly start to interact more & more with them. Yesterday was no exception...when we pulled into the park, she immediately spotted the playground & lunch was no longer on her mind. But, alas the child needed to be fed, so it was inside for lunch- an entrance that I did not enjoy since EVERYONE was already seated & eating.
After lunch there was games for this kids. Unfortunately I was too busy gabbing inside & missed the photo ops while Brad was busy "directing" Sydney in the various skills competition. So, the only moments captured from the day were on the playground.

Although not well represented by this picture, Hayleigh did enjoy playing with Sydney but I think she wishes that maybe Sydney could move a little faster to make it up to the top of the slide. Five-year-olds don't have a lot of time you know to be waiting around.

Emily on the other hand, can't keep up! Actually, Sydney cheated & got a head start!

Next came the log rolling contest which Hayleigh was the star.

Which Regan too tried to master...

...and Sydney learned that maybe she should wait a couple of years before trying again.