Family Reunion, day 1: the Mixer

It was a little over a year ago when a few visiting family members were enjoying a summer's evening on my parent's screened in porch and talk turned to planning a family reunion.  After consuming large quantities of wine and other assorted liquors, it was decided that the first annual reunion would take place during the first weekend in August 2008 in St. Louis. That side of the family is scattered all over the country: east coast, west coast, gulf coast, midwest.  I even have a cousin who lives in London!  So, this would be the perfect opportunity to get everyone together at the same time in the same place.  Nearly everyone made the trip--minus my brother and his family (due to the recent birth of little Jacob) and my pregnant cousin in London.

Well, that August weekend was this past weekend and what a great time we had!  My cousin, Laura, and her family were the first to arrive on Wednesday, followed closely by her parents that evening.  On Thursday, everyone else showed up.  My mom decided to throw a "mixer" on Thursday evening as a way to get everyone together for a laid back evening of drinks, pizza, and visiting. 

In classic "mom" style, the evening began with a visit from a medium who (during a private reading) informed my mom and aunt that my deceased grandparents were very excited about the weekend and promised they would be around the whole time.  My grandma even "mentioned" that she was excited because she could be around for the reunion without having to do any of the work.  Ha!  That sounded just like something she would say!

The "mixer" came complete with a few mean rounds of "Ring Around the Rosey" with Laura and Evan.

And, as to not disappoint, GG pulled out all of her usual shenanigans.  I'm not sure what she is doing here, a jig perhaps?  

And, yes, she did swipe that crown from Amelia!

Princess GG again with my aunt Margy.

It was a great start to a fun weekend, stay tuned for pics and stories from the rest of the reunion.