June 19 - 22, 2208

Michael had his All School Reunion on the 20, 21, and 22 of June. His sister Tanna and family were able to make it back to North Dakota for the festivities. As you can see many fun times were had by all. All the pictures in the slide show have captions but the style I chose does not show them unless your mouse is over the picture ( don't click it though). If the music is annoying click on the little speaker in the top left corner.

Any way, on Thursday the entire family, Jewell, Phylliss, Jeremy and his girlfriend Dusty, Tanna, Mike, Luke, Abby, and Libby, Michael, Wanda, Andrew and Grace, went to the Dakota Zoo. An enjoyable afternoon. After supper that evening, Mike took us geocaching or treasure hunting. Andrew loved it. Even this week we drove up to this spot, and Andrew assumed we were going treasure hunting again. Grace had a good time too. We walked a couple blocks to the next geochaching spot, and according to her she had to walk the entire way by herself. Saying things like, "I comin'. I runnin' too. So much fun."

On Friday we headed to the farm to do all things summer- making rice krispies, gopher hunting (Mike, Michael, Luke and Andrew), eating watermelon, and visiting in a circle of lawn chairs with the Nelsons (Jewell's sisters family), and more treasure hunting. The All School Reunion began Friday night with a street dance and visiting.

Saturday was the school auction, open class mic, and final prom dance so a lot of the day was spent at the school. During the afternoon, Michael met up with a classmate and went fishing. They had some luck so Michael and Scot (who was camping at the lake and just hanging around) took Luke and Andrew fishing. It was tougher fishing for the boys, but Andrew said it was "the best fish ever." Abby and Grace spent some time together too, playing dolls and mommy and baby. It was fun to see them interact now that Grace is older. The kids had fun at the dance- mostly playing with the streamers.

On Sunday the reunion continued with church, baseball games and music in the park. But the kids and I went to the Madson Reunion at the homestead of Oscar and Elma (my great grandparents on my mom's mom's side). Grandma Edna is the one on the far right of the back row. Over 75 people came with 10 of the 11 families represented. Faye and Evie are the only sisters remaining, and it was Faye's 80th Birthday on the Wednesday before. Faye is the toddler between Oscar and Elma in the picture above. The amazing thing is that Faye still works five hours a day five days a week at a deli.





The food was awesome. Bonnie, mom's cousin, has the Madson ability to make all things sweet. Another cousin Lynn, made fattigman, a Norwegian treat. Grace liked it a lot. Logan not so much.
Andrew was too busy playing hide and seek and climbing on bails to have fattigman. He did help himself to a plate or two of other treats though.
We were able to visit a lot and meet the newest family member- Sara Jo. (family line Marge - Pam - Sam - Sara Jo)

Grace spread her charm to Great Aunt Arlene playing tickle games.





Here is Mom and I at the first Madson Mob Reunion in 1979.
We thank Bonnie and her family for hosting the day.







When we returned to the farm the guys were out fishing again so Andrew joined them. The catch for the day was pretty plentiful.



You may be exhausted by reading about our jam backed weekend, but just think of us that Monday. It is so fun to be around family members and friends and enjoy each others company and eat good food.