Mom and Dad hinted--well, it was more of a suggestion than a hint--that it would be a good time in our family's life to establish some kind of family reunion schedule/plan. I think a discussion on the blog would be a good way to generate ideas and to gauge everyone's feeling on different ideas. I'd especially like to see what people want to have happen: frequency, locations, activities, responsibilities, or anything else.
I'll start the discussion by posting a comment with my thoughts on the subject.
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As for frequency, I think every other year would be as much if not more than my family could handle. I wouldn't expect any reunion to last longer than 5 days(excluding travel) but might be able to handle more if there were a good reason. Any shorter than 3 days, and I think I would feel like it wasn't worth any associated travel time.
I would be happy having it anywhere. We have looked at www.afvclub.com, where we might be able to get some places for a pretty good price.
We don't have kids in school right now, so the time of year isn't too important.
I think for activities, whomever is in charge ought to develop some kind of calendar of events with a couple of optional things to do each day, and 2 or 3 mandatory things for the whole trip.
As for responsibilities, I think each reunion ought to have a "sponsor" who makes the housing arrangements, and plans the schedule.
Those are just my quick thoughts, I might change my mind later. I didn't talk with Adrianne about this, so she can respond on her own. Let me know what you all think.
Mike
My main thing is just where it is going to be. We are all so spread apart and none of us have a ton of money for travel. Is it possible that we could find a place in the middle? Or could we alternate where it is? I love Maryland but I'm selfish and don't like the idea of having to pay for travel to Maryland every reunion. I would feel it were unfair for you all if we did it in OK each time too. But, we won't always be in the same place anyway. Anyway, travel costs are my biggest concern.
Adrianne
Our biggest concern would be the timing. We do have kids in school so would obviously have to work around that. I also have to work leading up to all major holidays. So...after holidays are good and during school breaks are good. Maryland would make a good first place because for now, mom and dad have a big house that could accomodate some and maybe Jess and Jason would put some of us up. That might help the costs some. Of course that leaves me the furthest away, but we could probably get there.
How about this summer? We were considering flying to MD this summer already. Too soon? How about next spring(2009)? What about winter time? Just some thoughts. We're really pretty easy! Sounds like fun though!!!
I am in agreement that the first woudl be good in MD. Activities woud be easier to plan, since many of the family does or has lived there. Housing is cheap! We would have access to kitchens and fridges to do the meals.
As for the timing, that is going to be tricky. We also have kids in school, but it's a traditional schedule, off in the summer. At this point, Mike does not have much time saved up, and I am not sure how fast he gets it. The other hard thing will be getting there, as in money to fly or time to drive. That's going to be tough for everyone regarless of where it is, so I say we just figure it and do it.
I like the idea of 3-5 days. We could take turns being in charge of meals, eating together or fending for ourselves, activities, etc. And then we could have a planning session to plan for the next one.
We would run into transportation problems if we all fly, although I guess we could rent cars. Oh, but mom and dad and jason and jess each have about 10 cars, so it might not be such a problem!
I agree with Adrianne that it would be good to do something central where all of us would have a relatively equal travel distance. Also somewhere fun where there are lots of things to do.
That having been said, I think we should start this summer and all come here. Here are my reasons:
1. Andy is being deployed this fall. I think that we would regret not getting all together before he leaves.
2. Housing would be taken care of. Between our house and mom's house we could fit everyone in. And it might speed up our finishing our basement.
3. We have two extra cars and Mom and Dad have three extra cars so there wouldn't be any need for renting cars for those who fly.
4. Mom said she would take care of all the food!!
5. This would give us all an opportunity to get together and discuss the next reunion. Decide who should be in charge. Look into where to do it, etc.
6. Other than new Richards baby (YEAH!!) there shouldn't be any other tiny babies. (Jacob will be 6-9months).
7. There are a lot of things with in driving distance of here that we could see and do.
8. Anyone who wanted to could stay longer, or come earlier.
9. I don't believe that anyone will be moving this summer.
I think Mike is going to comment when he gets home. I think our main concern now is that we weren't planning on a big vacation for awhile because we spent a lot of money to get out to Utah this past summer and don't have a lot of "extra" funds for travel. I think you all brought up a good point about housing and cars. I didn't think about how that would be taken care of if we go to Maryland. Anyway, so I'm sure if we decide to do it this summer Mike and I will find a way to work our budget differently so we can have money by then. And, we would like to see Andy before he leaves! Another potential problem for us us that Mike will have just taken a lot of time off work to help with the baby so we will have to see how much he can take off after that. But, I think he will want to comment.
I know I'm not a Richard, but here's an idea we do with our family. Those who live closest and don't have the travel costs chip in money for those who live farther away to make it all come out evenly. In our family Tim and Steph are the ones that have to travel the most so when we buy food and they don't chip in. Just an idea. Shannon
Well, if we are serious, lets start throwing some dates out there. School is out here the end of May and starts again in the end of August. What about the rest of you? Is there a better month as far as buying airline tickets? For some reason I think July is more, but I don't know why. Those of you with more definite scheduling (jobs, sports, schooling) what works for you?
If we decide to do it this summer, we will make arrangements to be there. We have our own concerns about being away from home with a baby born in late April/May. Adrianne made a good point, however, that someone in our family is likely to have a new baby or be pregnant for most of the next few years.
If we all fly, are there enough car seats (or can we bring those as luggage)? And, is there really enough room to house everyone between mom and dad and the crowl's?
For timing--Isaac turns 2 July 30th, so for us, if we decide to fly, before then would be better. Also, the later we can have it, the older the new baby will be (and the more used we would be to having a 3rd child), which would make being away from home easier.
It looks like flying will cost us around $700, driving would be closer to $550.
Mike
Austin gets out of school on Jun 9. I wouldn't have a problem taking him out a little early if necessary.
Jason will be in school taking classes all spring and summer. The only real time he will have off is Aug 1 to Sept 1. But The Crowl's will have to work around that schedule. I think we should not worry about him while planning.
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