Family Reunion

Jeff's sister, Marjean, and her family have been in Minnesota from Texas for the past few weeks. Over the weekend, nearly the entire Haack clan (with the notable exception of brother, Chris, and his partner, Robert) met in Walnut Grove for a Haack family reunion - the first since Disney World in 2007. We had a wonderful time visiting with each other. I can't believe how much the kids have grown! Amandala, the sweet, adorable flower girl at my wedding, turned 15 on Sunday!! And Dominic is now 9! Unreal. Christian and Dominic have very similar personalities and had a great time together! (Well, Christian had a great time, at least - I hope he didn't annoy his big cousin by tagging along everywhere he went!) Mandy is perfect babysitter age (if only she lived closer!) and Samantha loved sharing secrets and being pushed on the swing. Alexandra, on the other hand, really took to her Uncle Tim! Boy, did he get a talking to whenever he stopped playing with her, even for a second!

It also happened to be Wilder Days at the Walnut Grove park (as in Laura Ingalls Wilder, who briefly lived in Walnut Grove in her childhood). People from all over the continent converged on tiny Walnut Grove (population 500) for the Wilder Pagent (held on the banks of Plum Creek), the Laura-Nellie look-alike contest, and the Family Festival. It was quite the event! The kids enjoyed pony rides (well, the boys enjoyed and the girls attempted), corn dogs, crafts, and tiny Miniature Schnauzer puppies. Many people (including our very own Thelda & Mandy, and also briefly Becky & Lori) dressed in period costumes, some of which were very beautiful. Coincidentally, we found an abandoned bonnet in the parking lot of our hotel, so Samantha will have one to wear next year.

The weather was perfect for outdoor eating and visiting - which, of course, is the best part of a family reunion! If only the Kochen clan would move closer - we miss them already!

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