As everyone knows, every year Amber and I embark on an adventure to attend the HomeschoolALUMNI National Reunion. This year we were greatly looking forward to the annual get-together, but because of finances we almost didn't get to go. God provided a way almost at the last minute so we set to planning our trip and left 2 weeks later for Colorado, a visit with Uncle Mike and Aunt Ninfa, and the HSA Reunion.
I thought about doing a lengthy post with lots of pictures showing everything we did, but have decided to just focus on the things that meant the most to Amber and I.
This was the fourth reunion put on by HomeschoolALUMNI.org. The first one, we went to with nervousness at meeting so many new people and came away greatly blessed by the new friends we met from across the country. We went away with memories that way exceeded our expectations. This year was different in a way. After attending 3 reunions, we knew what to expect, but were still blessed and had a wonderful time.
Here are some of the things that were special to us......
A reminder along the road of our good friend, who wasn't able to attend this year's reunion. Boy did we miss you, Lincoln. You have to come next year!
Traveling for the third year with our friend, Catherine, who lives near us.
Listening to War of the Worlds on the way. I don't know why people actually believed that!
Stopping in "Little Sweden" (Lindsborg, KS) and walking the streets. Cute little touristy place.
Seeing some fellow HSAer's, also on their way to the reunion, at a rest stop just west of the Colorado/Kansas state line was fun. It's always fun to see unexpected people when traveling.
Stopping at every rest stop between here and Denver! Yay, for having control over the vehicle, we didn't have to wait for Dad to need to stop. :D
Listening to music as we started at the horizon before us. I think at this point we were listening to Michael W. Smith sing "Everywhere I go, I see You" by Rich Mullins. Yep, we can even see Him in the plains of East Colorado!
Finally seeing the mountains on the horizon. Cathy hadn't ever seen the mountains, so she didn't know what she was looking for. Can you see them? The next picture is the same with the shadows darkened so the mountains can sort of be seen. :)
Watching the sunset behind the mountains.
Spending time with our very best reunion friend, Helena. Oh, what a special girl she is. Wish you lived closer, Helena!
Seeing Pikes Peak everyday. I just love the mountains, It seemed to look different every morning. This morning it was hazy and blue, but another morning it was clear and I could see the green and brown of the trees and rocks.
Holding this adorable little thing. :) Felicity was the youngest and sweetest of the reunion attendees. She was so good and happy the whole time. Amber and I were among the privileged few who actually got to hold her. I guess it helps to be a friend of her parents. :)
Michael and Alyson, our brave friends who actually chose to spend part of their honeymoon with all of us at the reunion. You guys are so cool!
Finally meeting Eric and Leslie Ludy, after many years of reading their books. They are great. I just wish the could have been there the whole weekend, so we could have had more time to talk with them.
Beckisue is a great gal. We enjoyed spending time with her and her sister, Rhonda. They are both very encouraging to be around.
Hanging out with our friend, Sarah, who is also a twin.
Our annual picture with the Spiller kids. Everyone didn't quite make it in the picture this year, but, oh well, next year we'll be sure to grab Sarah, Andrew, and Mac too. Every year we look forward to seeing the whole gang in one place. :)
Spending time with all the Naylor siblings. The weekend just wasn't long enough. One of these days I'm going to make it to their house for a good one on one visit. :) Everyone loves them all it's hard to have time to really get to know them.
Wearing our 2006 reunion shirts. We were 4 of the 5 that brought their 1st Edition shirts to the reunion. Alyson and Mercy are both great girls too. Wish I could spend more time with both of them.
Meeting Hannah for the first time was great. She is such a cutie and everyone loves her. We made this sign for our friend, Amber, who wasn't able to attend this year.
Getting nominated for a "Yearbook Award." Wooohoooo! We're almost likely to become millionaires! :) And now we know which of us is the more popular twin. Hehe!
Taking our annual twin picture. Our group was dwindled this year. And neither Lindsey or Sarah had their twin's with them.
Hanging out with the Aunt and Uncle of HSA, Kerry and Carmel. They were among those pioneers in the homeschooling movement. They are a really neat couple and always make me laugh.
Click on the picture for a larger view
The group shot with the "All four reunioner's." Yep, we are the truely devoted. Four years and counting. I've got memories with all of those people. What a great four reunions it has been!
Click on the picture for a larger view
And one gigantic group shot (my camera angle wasn't wide enough to get everyone). Yay, for reunion 2009!
A pile of leaves.
Before jumping we had to pose in the pile for a picture.
Superman!
Silliness
And a game to keep you busy:
All the kids at the falls.
All the boys
All the girls
Goodbye friends!
A reminder along the road of our good friend, who wasn't able to attend this year's reunion. Boy did we miss you, Lincoln. You have to come next year!
Finally seeing the mountains on the horizon. Cathy hadn't ever seen the mountains, so she didn't know what she was looking for. Can you see them? The next picture is the same with the shadows darkened so the mountains can sort of be seen. :)
Watching the sunset behind the mountains.
Seeing Pikes Peak everyday. I just love the mountains, It seemed to look different every morning. This morning it was hazy and blue, but another morning it was clear and I could see the green and brown of the trees and rocks.
Holding this adorable little thing. :) Felicity was the youngest and sweetest of the reunion attendees. She was so good and happy the whole time. Amber and I were among the privileged few who actually got to hold her. I guess it helps to be a friend of her parents. :)
Michael and Alyson, our brave friends who actually chose to spend part of their honeymoon with all of us at the reunion. You guys are so cool!
Beckisue is a great gal. We enjoyed spending time with her and her sister, Rhonda. They are both very encouraging to be around.
Our annual picture with the Spiller kids. Everyone didn't quite make it in the picture this year, but, oh well, next year we'll be sure to grab Sarah, Andrew, and Mac too. Every year we look forward to seeing the whole gang in one place. :)
Spending time with all the Naylor siblings. The weekend just wasn't long enough. One of these days I'm going to make it to their house for a good one on one visit. :) Everyone loves them all it's hard to have time to really get to know them.
Meeting Hannah for the first time was great. She is such a cutie and everyone loves her. We made this sign for our friend, Amber, who wasn't able to attend this year.
Cardinal Climbers
Asparagus (sorry about the gross looking tomatoes. They make good compost. )
The kale won't stop growing!
Our beautiful Cannas in the front flower bed.
Mom's Geraniums
Gladiolus
My Vincas
Amber and Derek
We didn't stay for all of the graduation party, but had to rush off in the middle of an educating scavenger hunt. :)
Amber and Jessica
Amber and Beth
