Whiting Reunion 2008

This year our Whiting family reunion was one of the best I have ever been to. There were literally over 1,000 people in attendance, it was the biggest turn out we had ever had! My husbands Great-grandparents lived on 160 acres of land that eventually the government gave to them under the Homestead Act. Every two years we gather together  to learn about our heritage, and get to know the other 900 people we’ve never met. I think it is so remarkable that my husband’s grandparents had such an amazing vision of bringing their family together at such a beautiful place! I feel completely blessed to be a part of such a huge family that believes in holding together!

The Theme this year was learning about our heritage… They did an outstanding job.

This was designed like an old school house where the kids learned there numbers and wrote them in ink with a quill pen. I had to drag my daughter away from that one!
 

The kids also had the opportunity to ride horses. The pony rides were definitely one of the big hits, in fact there was a huge line for the them. While the horses were taking a break I looked over and my daughter had gone over and gotten up on the pony. Then the Big horse came over to her so she could pet him. I was just about to run over their and tell her she shouldn’t be on them without anyone around. Then the “awesome” mom in me (luckily) said, “no, this is probably the greatest moment in her life so far! just let her have it.” sure enough no harm was done and she got to spend time with the horses - pretty much her dream! I’m so glad she has that memory.

The kids also learned how to rope.

Yes, my kids can say that they have milked a cow. Right after this picture was taken, my 3 year old thought it would be so funny to aim the milk at me and shoot me (like a water gun fight). She laughed and Laughed.   

Some cousins brought up their chickens for the kids to learn about. They were definitely a hit with the little ones.  

I really felt sorry for this chicken.

More to come . . .