I love family reunions......

Hi there youse guys! How ya been? We Smith's have been pretty busy lately. We spent a little under a week in Tennessee for a family reunion. It was wonderful to see those we had not seen in a while and to see some I had never seen! It was really cool to finally put a face to the names of those that mom and dad remembered fondly from their growing up years. We stayed at our favorite hotel......Aunt Jan's house. She ALWAYS makes us feel at home and takes very good care of us. She usually spoils me with my favorite cake and let me just say, it was YUM!

We always have a great time with family and this was no different. Our time was mostly spent with fellowship, laughter and most certainly, food.

Thursday: After a short stop at the Charlotte airport to pick up a hitch-hiker... ummm I mean, Aunt B, we arrived at our hotel. Most had arrived and we had a great time catching up....and eating. As a side note. Our time at the airport was not wasted. Noah took the time to "train" Poppy, Daddy and Aunt B on proper escalator procedure.

Friday: Those that could met at a neat little place for a very yummy country breakfast. Again, filled with laughter and good conversation. Unfortunately, we had to say bye to Tina after that. She had a great excuse though. She is now finishing up her Master's Degree as we speak/as I write. I am very proud of her!

Shortly after that, Billy and April had to leave as well....sniff sniff. It was good to see all three of them even though it was shorter than I wanted...and we all know that it is ALL about me.

Gene, Pops and Uncle R. went to play some golf that morning. I'm glad they were able to work that in because they all enjoy it so. When they got home they acted as if they could have given Tiger a run for his money. Nice try but I know the real story....... folks, I saw the score card and it wasn't pretty. (this coming from a gal that really REALLY stinks at putt putt)

Later in the afternoon we headed out to Boone for dinner at the Dan'l Boone Inn. I can sum it up in one word.....holy-cow-that-was-as-good-as-I-remembered---YUMMY! Thanks once again to cousin D. He ducked out before everyone was finished, paid the bill and disappeared. VERY sneaky, VERY sweet and VERY much appreciated!

Saturday: The actual reunion at the park. Folks came from as far as Michigan to join the festivities. A good time was had by all. There was a playground that occupied the little ones. Many thanks to Gene for keeping an eye out for them so I could flit about and socialize.

OK. In the photo below, please note the extremely cool and handsome dude lurking behind the sign. After the reunion, he informed me that a few girls had given him phone numbers. I told him that was just fine as long as he didn't think he was actually going to call them!! By the way, they were not related to us but even if they were, according to a certain well known southern comedian, it is perfectly acceptable to pick up women at a family reunion. ;o)

We also had a very rare once in a lifetime occurrence. The picture below is of Noah and his Great-Great Aunts Hassie and Wilma. I normally don't post pictures without prior permission but I thought this would be ok. Golly I hope neither one of them are in the witness protection program.....

I have other wonderful pictures of my much loved Aunts, Uncles and cousins at the reunion but like I said, I don't really like posting pics of people without prior permission. If you were there and want to see yourself in print, let me know and I sure will post them!

Sunday: Aunt Jan out did herself with a huge and wonderful big breakfast....homemade gravy and biscuits, eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, fried taters, cooked apples.....I need to stop, I'm getting drool on the keyboard and I'm afraid I may electrocute myself...

The rest of the day was spent just lounging around and enjoying each other's company. I believe this is the day that Aunt B talked Noah into taking a picture of her toe.

Yes.

Her toe.

And yes.

He did.

He also took this picture of Nonna. Not bad for a 5 yr old!

Monday: Mom and Pops left to take Aunt B, the previously mentioned hitch hiker, to the airport. The Smith's stayed behind to take little man to Tweetsie for a special treat. We met my cousin's kids there and a great time was had by all. Nothing better for 4 and 5 year old boys than trains, cowboys, Indians and Can Can girls! Who could ask for anything more?

I must say that some wonderful memories were made. The days filled with talking and reminiscing and the evenings filled with sitting on the front porch, taking in the mountain air and catching fireflies. Again. Who could ask for ANYTHING more. Making memories with those you love........