Swim

The resort had three pool areas that we were able to use and the boys thought it important to use, experience and rate all three of course. Their favorite, hands down, was the not so deep but complete with a bridge and waterfall pool where we spent quite some time wading, swimming and playing. The last evening in Branson, after dinner, after official photo, after all was done and the only thing left to do was pack up the car in the morning, we headed out for a final swim. The moon was almost full, and the boys had so much fun with their Dad while I watched pool side and captured their play with the camera.

Game playing

Noah has discovered a new favorite game - mankala, or khala; like a favorite child this game has many names. We have played it at home using plain egg cartoons and beans, but Aunt Lisa had in her treasure trove the real deal, a beautifully crafted wood game with sparkling marbles. Noah quickly set out to teach and then hopefully beat any of his kind relatives who would agree to play.
In the end what matter was time spent having fun, although Noah really does like to win as evident by the multiple Monopoly games that took place during the reunion.

Official photo

As part of the tradition, Tom pulls out the Family Reunion banner, which he dutifully updates with the current year and we all pile in for an official photo. Chairs are moved, people are gathered up, lights arranged, and the banner is mounted/held/hung. Some years, we can find an unsuspecting bystander to take this photo, other years we are most grateful for the delay exposure button on the camera. At the end, all that matters is that the family is gathering and that we can capture this joyous occasion.

Tuben

No that is not a typo, that is the official term for this new sport as I was dutifully lectured on by the guy in the boat rental shop. According to this expert, tuben has evolved from its more humble beginnings when old inner tubes were blown up, and attached to long rope and a fast boat, to its present form of colorful circular almost air mattress looking floats with handles and catchy inscriptions. The rope is still a rope and the boat is still fast.

Lisa rented a pontoon boat for all of us to experience the lake, and with the boat came the tuben equipment. It did not take long for what was intended to be a nice quite boat ride on the lake to turn into fast racing and loud giggles complete with deep muscle stomach massage and light micro dermabrasion for the face - fabulous fun in other words.

Fridge and flying food

One thing is for certain, any Severinghaus' get together involves fabulous food. Barb carefully plans exquisite meals complete with lovely table decorations when the festivities is at home. On the road, we are sure to be treated to the most interesting and fun restaurants and eateries. At the resort, the coolers that were lovingly packed in the early morning filled the fridge, counters and cabinets - anyone feeling even the slightest bit of hunger had only himself or herself to blame - the food was there!

Lukas and Noah had fun trying to catch the flying hot rolls at Lamberts,  we enjoyed a cool dinner al fresco by the lake one night at a steak house and of course the breakfasts that were served in Barb and Tom's suite each morning could have carried us through the day.

Too bad there are so many restrictions on flying.... yet our airplane snacks were the envy of anyone within eye sight, thank you Barb and Tom!

Family Reunion - travel day

Each year, Tom arranges for a Severinghaus' family reunion. Some years there are many participants, other years there are few - yet the tradition continues, and it is one we all look forward to each summer.
This year's get together was held in Branson, MO. Barb and Tom scouted out a wonderful resort where we would spend time visiting, playing, exploring and eating.

On Tuesday morning, very early, we headed to the airport right around the corner from our house here in Monterey. We are certainly extremely spoiled to be able to measure the distance to the airport in minutes. Once in Tulsa, Noah had fun taking pictures of an interesting  exhibit of bike art. He also was oh so proud of his covert picture taking of Grammy and Pappy as they pulled up at the curb. What a joyous reunion it was right there at the airport.

First Day of School

There are a lot of advantages of educating at home.. however, there is not quite the same excitement about back to school as it would be if everyone headed off someplace. There is no need for a back pack since all the books are in a cabinet right by our table, and even if the boys would enjoy clothes shopping, there is no need for new clothes, well maybe a few new pjs as it seems to be our school uniform of choice most days. It is hard to celebrate back to school, when school continues all year around as learning does not stop because the calendar says July.
However, some of our outside activities do start up again and that can be and should be celebrated. Our first day of Classical Conversation could be one way to mark the New School Year. Bob posed us all on the front steps, cheese, one more time, cheese, Noah look at me, Christina, I cannot see your head behind Lukas.. and finally one last great picture. The point of the picture was to capture and remember this day, and of course add it to the blog... well, the picture is MIA. We have seen it, we know it exist, but it is playing a great game of hide and seek with us at the moment. Hence, when we find it, it will be added to this First Day of School entry.