Saturday: Dance, Karaoke

Saturday: The Amazing Race

Then we had the Amazing Race. This is Where we did different events, like Lewis and Clark (shooting arrows, putting together a teepee, filling up a water bucket with soaked t-shirts, figuring out how wide a river is and how tall a tree is, making a cucumber boat, ‘shooting’ stuffed animals, disciefering an actual code that Lewis and Clark made. We had clues that led us to the next event, each time. It was a fun time.

FRIDAY OF THE REUNION

I'M GOING TO UPLOAD SOME PICTURES. THE REUNION WAS FABULOUS! WAYNE AND JULIE'S FAMILY DID A MARVELOUS JOB! WE ALL HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME!! THESE ARE PICTURES OF THE SKITS THAT WE PERFORMED OF GRANDMA'S LIFE. THEY WERE SO MUCH FUN TO WATCH AND PERFORM IN!

Family Pictures

Grandma has asked me to take pictures of each of the individual families for her to frame for her wall. I will be figuring out which times are best for this (Steph or someone in Wayne's family--when is a good time for this??). I need to figure out some time slots, so I can assign/have people sign up so you can look your best (as far as camping best). She wants me to take a picture of each individual family, for example, Karla her husband Mike and their 7 kids, and she wants Karla's kids and their families pictures to be taken separately. And the same with Wayne's, Stuart's, Ed's, Scott's etc. I would also think that Grandma would like a picture of her children with her as well.

If there are families that aren't going to be there, maybe it would be nice if they'd take a digital picture (or scan one in) of their family and either post it on here (or email me it @ marknelizabeth@hotmail.com), or send it to Grandma (so they can be on her wall of fame). Also, if parts of your family will not be there, maybe you could take a picture of your entire family and post it or send it. I will be posting all of the pictures of the family (and some of the reunion) on here, so anyone can click on it, and save the pictures and make copies if you desire. I'm very excited for the reunion, it sounds like Wayne and Julie's family has put in A LOT of time and effort and it is going to be wonderful.

Monson Family Reunion - Directions and Instructions

08-10-07

DEAR FAMILY,

Here are some items of information and reminders about the Family Reunion.

THEME
The theme is “The Adventures of Lewis and Clark”, so some of our activities will reflect a touch of nostalgia about the “Voyage of Discovery.” Just come with the goal of having a great time with your family and it will happen.


THINGS YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNOW…
The Reunion begins the afternoon of Thursday, August 23. It will end Sunday morning, August, 26. We are meeting at the Kiwanis Campground near Walla Walla, WA. It is a beautiful campground, at the foot of the Blue Mountains, with many amenities.

Lodge and Kitchen facilities
Cabins with bunk beds
Bathroom and shower facilities
Swimming pool


DIRECTIONS (How to find us)
1. Take Highway 12, going East. It skirts around the North edge of Walla Walla.
2. When you think you have gone too far, you will pass an exit that goes to Walla Walla Community College. Take the next exit. There is a small sign there that says Rooks Park..
3. Stop at the bottom of the off ramp. Turn left on Mill Creek Road. From this point it is 11.4 miles to Camp Kiwanis.
4. Stay on Mill Creek Road. There are a couple of Ys in the road that may be a little confusing. Mill Creek road stays in the bottom of the valley.
5. When you reach the spot where the pavement ends and gravel begins, you will be across Mill Creek from the camp. Look to your right.
6. Continue past the camp for a few hundred feet. Take the little road across the bridge.
7. Turn right and come into the campground from the upper end.
8. Park by the lodge.

ARRIVAL
There will be another group leaving by noon on the day we arrive. I plan to meet the caretaker at the campground at 2:00 PM. If anyone plans to arrive sooner than that, please contact me (Wayne 509-545-1930).


CABIN ASSIGNMENTS
Cabin Number, Beds, Assigned to

1, 12 ,Wayne’s Family

2, 12 ,Wayne’s Family

3, 8, Stuart and Ed’s Families

4, 12, Karla’s Family

5, 11, Karla and Wayne’s Families

6, 8, Scott’s Family

7 ,4, Mom, Luetta, Alaine

There are lots of extra mattresses that can be put on the floor for children to sleep on.

Please be patient. There are plenty of beds, but we may need to do a little shifting around to help everyone feel comfortable.


ITEMS TO BRING (or not)
1. Do not bring a Crock Pot. We no longer need them.

2. Do bring the following:
Sleeping bags, bedding and pillows.
Towels and washcloths.
Sun Block and Insect Repellant.
Life Jackets, Swimming Suits, Water toys.
Sturdy boots or shoes for hiking.
80 or more charms. (see below)
Board or card games to share for free time and “night caps.”
3. Bring the following if you have them and have space.
Camp Chairs.
Hymn Books.

ALLERGIES
Many of you know that there are some severe food allergies that we are working hard to accommodate. We are taking into account the allergies of four individuals, not just one. Please help us by not bringing additional food into the camp, including drinks, chips, candy, etc. We will have ample food and drink for you to snack on through-out the day as well as delicious, easily prepared meals.
When you arrive to camp, please wash up to help eliminate traces of certain foods.
For the parents who have little ones still drinking milk from a bottle, we understand this is something you will need to bring. However, please be aware of spilled or dripping milk, and wash hands and faces of your little ones often.
There is a serious concern regarding the distance from the campground to a hospital. The allergies are severe enough for one member of our family that it could be a life or death situation. Hiding things under beds or in a duffel bag is not an option. Unfortunately, this has been learned through experience.
Please help us create a safe and comfortable environment for those with allergies, so that all of the Monson Family Members are free to enjoy the reunion and be blessed by your association.


ABOUT THOSE CHARMS…
In the Spring of 1804, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, with their crew, began their journey up the Missouri River from their Winter Camp near St. Louis. Of great importance, among their supplies, were the items they took with them for gifts and trading with the Indians they expected to meet. Many of these trade goods were bright colored and flashy, as they hoped to impress the Indians concerning the greatness of their new country and their new Father (President Thomas Jefferson).

We hope that each family will bring at least 80 charms that are representative of your family in some way.

Each person will receive a necklace to put charms on. Since there will be 17 or 18 families participating, every person should be able to make a necklace with that many charms. If you can bring a few extras it wouldn’t hurt. There will be a special reward for everyone who gets all of the charms on their necklace.

Please have someone in your family monitor the trading to be sure that everyone in camp has a chance to get one of your family charms before they are all gone. FEEL FREE TO BRAG ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND THE MEANING OF YOUR CHARM.

WORSHIP/TESTIMONY MEETING
We are going to have a Hymn Singing Testimony Meeting on Sunday Morning. Those who wish to do so will be asked to explain briefly why the hymn touches you, and then we will sing it.

Alternatively, you may prepare members of your family to sing your hymn for the rest of us.

So think about your favorite Hymn and your Testimony. Please bring Hymn Books, if you have them. There is an Organ in the Lodge, but no piano.


PASSING OF THE TORCH…
We will have a short Sibling meeting to discuss how to organize future Reunions.


IN CONCLUSION...
Our family is excited and looking forward to seeing and enjoying your company for three straight days.

We love you.
Wayne and Jule

In the Spirit of Lewis & Clark

Hey! We just got back from an awesome family vacation where we visited lots of different places. Among those places, we visited the Lewis and Clark National Park (on the Oregon Side). We were taken on a shuttle bus to a replica fort and visitors center. There were great demonstrations, walking trails, a cool movie, and a museum. I could have spent all day there, but there wasn't any food. So we left the park and headed for home. The best part of our visit was the replica fort. We saw the military style barracks that the men (and one tough lady) stayed in. And the kids got to try on some of the clothing of the day. Jacob especially liked the gun.
You can check out our family blog for more cool photos of the rest of our vacation explorations. (I'll post them soon!)

scotts family

Wow, so this is what blogging is like. Just thought I would try it. My family has left me alone this weekend to go to a ward youth conference at Zions Camp. Last weekend Debbie and Kiley were at the Little league state tournament, they got 4th place. Next week Tyler and Brett will be going on a 50 mile hike.
The reunion looks like fun. Elizabeth, you should bring your karaoke machine if you have 10 cd's. I think we only have 3-scott

Brandon Taylor Burt

CONGRATS TO KATIE AND AARON FOR HAVING THEIR BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY: Brandon Taylor Burt.

Monson Reunion 2007

2007
Monson Family Reunion
“Adventures of Lewis and Clark”
August 23-26

Schedule:

Thursday:
5:30pm – Dinner (Beef Stew & Biscuits prepared by Wayne’s Family)
7:00pm – Orientation & Ice Breaker Games
9:30pm – Night Cap (games, snacks & visiting)

Friday:
7:30am – Roll Call
8:00am – Breakfast (Blueberry Pancakes prepared by Karla’s Family)
9:30am – Leave for Ft. Walla Walla
10:00am – Tour Ft. Walla Walla & Kids Scavenger Hunt
12:00noon – Lunch (at lodge; Hot dogs prepared by Stuart’s Family)
1:00pm – Free Time (swim, crafts, b-ball, volleyball, kid booths, naps)
3:00pm – Organized Activities
5:00pm – Dinner (Crock-pot Apricot Chicken prepared by Ed’s Family)
6:30pm – Skits
7:30pm – Fear Factor
9:30pm – Night Cap (games, snacks & visiting)
Teen Sleep Over in the Lodge

Saturday:
5:30am – Hike
7:30am – Roll Call
8:00am – Breakfast (Breakfast Haystacks prepared by Scott’s Family)
9:30am – Kid Hike and Wayne’s Sibling Meeting
10:30am – Bingo in Lodge
12:00 noon – Lunch (Sloppy Joes prepared by Stuart’s Family)
1:00pm – Free Time
3:00pm – Amazing Race
5:00pm – Dinner (Fajitas prepared by Karla’s Family)
6:00pm – Indian War Dance Practice
7:30pm – Dance; Indian War Dance, Line Dancing, (Karaoke?)
9:00pm – Night Cap (games, snacks & visiting)
Cousin Sleep Over in the Lodge

Sunday:
7:30am – Roll Call
8:00am – Breakfast (Sausage Gravy & Biscuits prepared by Wayne’s Family)
9:00am – Worship / Testimony Meeting
10:30am – Grab a lunch & Go (Sack Lunch prepared by Scott’s Family)


There are few items we stand in need of:

Crockpots – they will be used for Friday night’s dinner

Karaoke Machine w/ music – This would be great to have for the Dance on Saturday Night

80 Charms per Family– Each person who attends the reunion will be given a necklace. They will be asked to retrieve charms that each family has prepared (bought or made) that symbolize them. At the end of the reunion each person will have a special keepsake to take home with them. Each family should make or purchase 80 beads to hand out to each family member at the reunion. (The photo above shows some examples that may help inspire you.)

RSVP’s!!! – Wayne will be making cabin assignments within the next two weeks. There are several families we still have not heard from. Luetta, has graciously accepted the challenge of making phone calls trying to get the numbers finalized, you may also reply to this email to RSVP. (see attached comments for a complete/current RSVP list)

Please contact Stephenie with your questions, RSVPs and requested items you are willing to share.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely,
The Wayne Monson Family
07-17-2007


PS-
Swimming Pool at camp– Just what is needed to cool off on a hot summer day! You are welcome to bring your life jackets and water toys.
Crafts and Games – There will be a strong effort set forth to help ensure that the scheduled activities suit all ages and interests. You will also be delighted to discover a few surprises along the way!
Night Cap and Free Time - You are welcome and encouraged to bring any games you would like to bring that would add to the fun.

Our Camping Trip

We went camping at Jubilee Lake and had a blast camping, hiking, boating, spending time together. We enjoyed some beautiful views, and had a wonderful time.

OH BOY!!

Melissa and Bryan are so excited to
announce "we are having a baby boy~!
The due date is November 15, 2007.
We are so thrilled.  The doctor
said that he is right on track and that
everything looks great! It was so amazing
to see the ultrasound.  It has made this
whole experience seem real."

Celestia had her baby!

Harrison Ketenci was born on April 6th 2007 to Celestia and Fatih. Check out her blog, for more info (*Link at right). Congrats Celestia & Fatih!!