Family Farm Weekend

The McAllister family gathered once again this year for a family reunion at "the farm". The weekend was packed with good food, good games, good company, and great fun. I'm sure Michael's grandparents were smiling down on their family gathered together at the one place that was nearest and dearest to their hearts. I don't know of anyone who has visited this place that hasn't been amazed by it. Even if you aren't the "outdoorsy" type (which I clearly am not), you still have to appreciate the sheer beauty that the farm has to offer. I mean, just look at these views:

One thing about the farm that cannot be captured on film is the peacefulness. As you travel down country road after country road, and then turn into the driveway (which itself is a mile long), you slowly leave the rest of the world behind. When you finally reach the house, you exhale, and all of your worries and troubles melt away. It is quiet, it is calm, and it is beautiful. Well, with 32 people there it wasn't so calm and quiet, but that was half of the fun this time. The kids did not sit still all weekend. During the day they swam in the river, played in the sand, rode on the four-wheeler, ran around, and climbed trees. At night, they played flashlight tag, ran around with glow sticks, watched fireworks, twirled sparklers, and then they collapsed of sheer exhaustion, only to wake up excited and rarin' to go the next morning.

Rex was eager to swim in the river (despite his irrational fear that crabs were going to pinch his toes), but Sean took some persuading. He was perfectly content to play in the sand at first, but he did venture out into the water eventually. Then he didn't want to get out! And despite my irrational fear of water that is not contained in a chlorinated swimming pool, I waded in right along with him.

Of course, we can't forget the highlight of the weekend- the McAllister Family Olympics. This year, each person competed in a ring toss, an egg-in-spoon race, an egg toss, a water balloon toss, bocce, and a three-legged-race. The hula-hoop contest had to be scrapped because of a lack of hula-hoops (and while I did go out and buy a hula-hoop this year to practice with, I must admit- I was not too disappointed that I couldn't show off my skills. I think another year of practice will do some good.)

Each family had their own team shirts to wear for game-time (Kudos to Matthew for making those!).

I think our family was at a bit of a disadvantage considering Rex and Jack slept through the whole thing, and Sean was much to busy pretending to drive the Heidmous' minivan to compete. Maybe next year...

Congratulations go out to Nicole and Kerry for winning the Under 18 and Over 18 competitions, respectively. Their names will forever be etched into the McAllister Farm Games plaque.

And if I could award another plaque, it would be to Bobby for killing and beheading the water snake from the river. And then I would give one to each of the kids who actually touched it, also.

Can't wait for next year's reunion! We'll be practicing!