Family Reunion 2009 – at the Beach

I think I’ve mentioned before that I have a fairly large immediate family. I’m the youngest of six siblings, and all of my older siblings have anywhere from 3 to 5 kids each. We’re all scattered all over the country, but we try to get together for a reunion every 2 years, in a fairly central/fun location. Two years ago, it was a cabin in Tennessee, and this year there were enough of us to gather in 3 beach houses in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.

We had a blast.

Since I had the “nice” camera, I volunteered to take the formal group shots, even though I had no idea what I was doing. But I put on a happy face, got in my street theater mode to keep everyone’s attention focused and positive, and I think I got some really good shots. I’m really proud of them, actually, especially where I could get people in more candid moments:

Each night we had a group get together of sorts. The first night, my parents gave each of the six kids a memory box with mementos from our childhoods along with DVDs of home movies and slides.

The next night was a wedding reception for Mr. Martini and me, since we had eloped last October. They had cake, champagne, and favors. It was perfect:

And finally, we celebrated Mom and Dad’s 55th Wedding Anniversary a little early, but while we could all be together (it’s coming up in January):

And did I mention it was at the beach? THE BEACH? It was amazing – perfect weather the entire week. Every day I’d get up, eat breakfast, change into my swimsuit, and then go swimming for an hour. Any more than that, and I knew I’d be too burnt. This was just enough to get a tan (yes, me, a tan!) and not go overboard.

It was so, so beautiful there.

I’m only sad that with so many of us in one place for such a short amount of time, that it’s hard feel like you’ve had enough time to visit with everyone. Luckily, that’s why we have e-mail.

Looking forward to Reunion 2011!