"50th" Smith Family Reunion

 To celebrate Dale and Margaret's 50th wedding anniversary, we had a Smith family reunion in Lake Bay, Washington. The house was right on the Puget Sound and we loved every minute of it.

Day 1: Monday was my birthday and Nate and the girls spoiled me with some gifts that I opened before we left- some new cookie sheets and a gorgeous hummingbird feeder. Then Paige did the sweetest thing and during our car ride in short increments she gave me more gifts to open- a Milky Way, some more chocolate snacks, a very sweet keychain that she made, a bracelet that she braided, and a very pretty butterfly diamond dot that she made for me. I felt very loved and it sure was a special day. We arrived at the property in the evening and we first looked around. The original house was full of such character and had some really cool features. There were three houses on the property and we filled up all of it. We got everything unloaded and just enjoyed the evening with family.

The view of the house from the road. The second house is on the right and the little hideaway apartment was across the street (behind me in this picture). Dale and Margaret, Christy and Lylia, Mike and Myla, and all the older boys stayed in the big house; Aaron, Carly, Oneil, and Lily stayed in the house on the right; our family along with Anna and Scott and Brett and Eliza stayed in the apartment. It worked out really nice.

The view of the house from the opposite side. It had this gorgeous property that led right down to the water.

Our view of the water while cousins and people gathered. We spent most of our time down here searching for shells and just enjoying the incredible view.

Baylor taking in the view from the attic of the big house (where all the boys slept).

This porch swing was a very popular hangout and McCall was the star of the reunion and was passed around from one person to the next the entire time we were there. The view from this porch swing was stunning and it was a great place to sit and visit.

That evening we celebrated my birthday. I made two different kinds of sheet cake. It was fun to have everyone around for my birthday and to have this great reunion to enjoy to kick off my 33rd year of life.

I have been working on a gift for Dale and Margaret's 50th for the past couple of months. Earlier in the year when we were talking to Margaret about their anniversary, she mentioned that she didn't want a big party but that her parents had received cards and notes from family and friends and that was special and so that's just what I decided to do. Since about May I have been messaging family and friends and having them send me their favorite memories with Dale and Margaret and I put a scrapbook together for them. It took a lot of reminders and some people probably got sick of me constantly bugging them but it was worth it and so fun to read all of them. I put together a couple of scrapbook pages with pictures from their wedding and from their life and put them intermingled with the memories. I had a section of memories from family, then friends, and then I had "50 Memories for 50 Year" and had each of their kids write 10 memories down. Then last I had each of the grandkids' favorite memories.

We had it all wrapped and Nate gave it to me after we had cake and pretended that it was a present for me and then I gave it to them. It was so fun to watch from confusion of what it was all about to tears from Margaret about the gift. It was pretty sweet to watch and see all my hard work being worth it!

The sunsets every night were also gorgeous and the view plus the sunsets were something I will always remember.

Goodnight to the big house and our little family walked over to our retreat for the first night.

Day 2: First full day and it was filled to the brim with really nothing planned but was a full day of exploring and doing things as a family.

We had pretty much all of our meals outside under the pergola that was covered with grape vines that was on the side of the big house. It really was the perfect place for meals and each of us took on 2 meals. Aaron made French toast and sausage for our first breakfast.

We walked down to the water and there were quite a few of these huge jellyfish that had washed up with the tide. We were poking them and we found out they really don't sting you especially since they were dead. It was pretty entertaining watching Lily and Lylia attempt to "rescue" one of them. 

There was a fig tree on the property and I tried one for the first time. I was a little hesitant since they look pretty odd. It actually tasted pretty good though the texture was a little weird. 

There was a court on the property and we set up pickleball. It was another first for me and I played pickleball for the first time and it was a lot of fun. 

The view of the house from the court.

After breakfast it was a pretty chill morning- the boys were often at the dining room table playing a game all together, Lily and Lylia went out on the kayaks, we went on a little walk down the road and saw this cool little train car that was converted into a house, and Corgan set up a pickleball tournament.

Then almost everyone went and walked along the beach since it was low tide. It was fun to see everyone's properties and everyone enjoyed looking for shells.

The people came in waves and I love this shot of the house with people walking the beach towards us.

Beach combing-Lily and Paige really bonded during this reunion with both of their love of shells and finding them together and getting quite the collection to bring home.

These small sand dollars were first spotted by Nona and the girls fell in the love and it became the hunt to find the smallest one.

Baylor and Eliza came up holding hands and it was the cutest thing. They both enjoyed taking their shoes off and getting their feet in the water. Of course Baylor started going out a little farther every time and was pulling her shorts up so she could get a little deeper.

Then the pickleball tournament began! It was double eliminate and Corgan had all the brackets set up. It lasted the entire day and we still hadn't quite finished. It was pretty fun to watch. There were some breaks for meals and if something else was going on and at times it was just a quiet game with not very many spectators and at times it felt like the whole family was out there watching and cheering each other on. The boys took turns being ball boys and sideline judges and Corgan was the ref and kept score. It was a lot of fun for everyone involved!

Nona and Pops even got to take each other on!

Some action shots

Nona pulled off the win! I love the left picture with the winning moment and Corgan holding up his notebook in celebration for her and then the right picture if you look closely I love Pops' face.

There was a break for lunch and Mike brought things for BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. We decided to have our lunch under the trees and it was a very fun picnic style lunch. Aaron had shirts made for everyone and handed them out during this.

McCall loved being passed around and was pretty content most of the time unless she was hungry. I loved watching everyone's reactions with her especially if she was talking and smiling to them. She is so lucky to have so much family that loves her. Of the cousins, Corgan and Lily probably held her the most and were always asking to have a turn. 

These two moments were some of my favorite memories from the reunion. I would go back to our apartment to feed McCall. It was quiet and I could close the door to our room so that I didn't have to have a cover and it was nice to be in the air condition and get a break from the heat. I had gone over to feed her and when I came out all the little girls were over and I put McCall in the middle of them and they were all talking with her and touching her hand and they thought it was so funny to have her kick them. She was so smiley and doing her baby talk to them and they all loved it. Then the other picture is McCall was laid down on the blanket and I look over and I see all these teenage boys doing the same thing with her. They were all enthralled with her and playing with her as she smiled and talked to them. 

These three giving us some laughs while they tried on their shirts.

The pickleball tournament continued and it got pretty hot in the afternoon and Anna brought their machine for shaved ice and we all enjoyed some snow cones. The little girls especially loved it and hung around trying lots of different flavors.

The afternoon was pretty relaxing- some of the kids went out on the kayaks, McCall took a little break from the heat and fell asleep on our bed after one of her feedings, I found the little girls watching TV in the air conditioned house, and conversations by the porch swing.

We also made some sugar cookies. Paige saw these pictures and said she would have helped but most likely her and Lily were down by the water finding shells. Christy got taught by the expert (Anna) how to make sugar cookies and Myla and Lylia were happy to help cut them out.

That evening we had tacos for dinner and the boys loved it since they were told to eat as many tacos as they could. :)

The girls and Nona looking for shells.

The little girls were going to go in the hot tub but it got turned up and so it was too hot but it turned into them playing in the cool shower in Nona and Pop's room and it was a fun moment for them.

Enjoying another night's sunset from the porch.

And another goodnight to the big house as we walked back to go to sleep. Our little family went to bed around 10 every night. I'm sure everyone else stayed up much later. I know that I missed out on some good night time conversations which is a little disappointing but with a baby that wakes up at night I knew that I needed my sleep.

Day 3: Nate and I had breakfast and I did Costco muffins and yogurt parfaits. It was a nice easy breakfast that didn't require a lot of prep and allowed people to eat whenever they got up. Afterwards, Nate and I went out on the two person kayak and the seals popping up was a little scary but the water was so still and it was gorgeous.

Mount Rainer in the distant- it was very faint but the view of the water with the mountain in the background was stunning!

Our view of the property as we made our way back.

We finally got to the last game of the pickleball tournament and it was Jake verse Aaron and Aaron pulled out the win.

Then a lot of the boys went and played disc golf at the nearby course. Anna and Margaret took some of the little girls and went to a playground. They were willing to take my girls but Paige said it was too hot and Baylor only wanted to go if I went so we just stuck around.

I was able to just sit and enjoy the water while the girls played. Baylor had fun in the water and Paige looked for more rocks and shells. Scott and Pops also joined me and we just visited until everyone got back. Anna provided pizza and salad for everyone for lunch. There was also leftover food from the day before for anyone that wanted something else.

Then Paige and Carly set up a nail salon. Paige brought a whole bunch of nail polish and the two of them made little tickets with all the color choices and on it for the price it said it was $10,000 but then crossed out and said for today it was FREE. :) They had fun painting all the little girl's nails and Lily and Anna even joined in and got their nails done.

More beach time 

I went to see what Baylor was doing and found these three sitting on the couch like this while watching a show. :)

Baylor went with me when I went to feed McCall. McCall fell asleep again on our bed and Baylor and I enjoyed some quiet time. I pulled out the camera and got these gems. This girl and her faces! We also started a 300 piece puzzle. Baylor didn't last long but I enjoyed doing little bits at a time whenever I was there.

Another hot afternoon meant another afternoon snack of shaved ice!

There seemed to always to a group of boys around the table playing a game. 

McCall truly got passed all around and had so many fun conversations and smiles for everyone.

Mike made lots of enchiladas for dinner and then it was picture time.

It is fun having all these cute girls around the same age.

Pictures you get when Baylor is holding the the camera. :)

We did have a quick award ceremony for the pickleball tournament. Nona did play a game or two and then Corgan took her place and they got third, Jake second, and Aaron first. This was another moment that will be a really fun memory. Anna had brought some medals and Mike was the announcer while the Olympic theme song was playing. Then we all turned and sang the national anthem. It was fun to see everyone laughing and smiling and involved in this moment.

Family Pictures- I sure married into a really fun and amazing family! Happy 50 years Dale and Margaret. The family you have built and created is pretty incredible!

The kids were all doing human pyramids and Nona and Pops wanted to do their own. :)

McCall looked SO cute in her little Smith onesie and her hair bow!

Bill and Dorie joined us today and it was a lot of fun to have them around and join in our reunion fun.

Corgan had to leave Wednesday night so that he could go to work the next day. He got the whole crew to chase after him as he headed back home. 

The girls finally got their hot tub fun in and loved it.

Another gorgeous sunset to end our day. We waited until it was pretty dark to head over to bed but before we did our little family laid on the grass and watched the stars for awhile. It was a very sweet, quiet moment and Paige and I even saw a shooting star.

We had brought some marshmallows to roast on a fire by the water but since there was a burn ban we couldn't do that which was a little disappointing so before we went to bed we enjoyed a little night time snack of oven roasted smores.

Day 4: I went on a morning walk with Baylor. We found so many jellyfish washed up and Baylor wanted to find each one and make a shoe print in each one. I loved every time that I was down by the water. I could totally have a house on the beach one day that we could go to whenever we want. We then went up to the house for breakfast and Scott made some delicious biscuits and gravy.

We had a pretty quiet morning. Nate went again with some of the boys to play disc golf. Aaron had lots of eggs leftover from his breakfast and cooked them up and I got some help from some cute girls with peeling them and then I made some deviled eggs to go along with our lunch.

Nate and I did a hot dog bar for our lunch and McCall just snoozed on Dorie the entire time and I love her cute little arm resting next to Dorie's.

After lunch almost everyone went to Bay Lake which was a small fishing lake that was about 5 minutes away. There was a small area that was technically the boat launch and we set up some chairs and towels and everyone had fun swimming. 

Eliza and Myla didn't come so Baylor played by herself for a little bit but most of the time she was splashing and playing with the big boys and it was fun to watch them interact. Her and Cade really have a fun relationship and they are both very teasing to each other. She took it when they would splash her even if it was in her face and was laughing and having so much fun splashing them back. She had this big mischievous grin on her face the entire time she was with them.

Then in the early evening, Nate and I went back out on the kayak. Anna and Margaret were out floating so we got a few pictures of them before heading out. We spotted a few more seals and it was cool to see the sun start setting while we were out.

Then Paige finally got brave enough and went out with Nate on the kayak. She loved it especially seeing the seals.

Nate got some fun shots of everyone enjoying the beach from his view in the kayak.

And of course the gorgeous view of the house.

Dale and Margaret were gifted for their anniversary these glass bottles and put their favorite memory from the past and something they are looking forward to in the future. Then they rowed out and threw them into the water. It was sweet to watch and very entertaining watching them try to get out of the boat. Margaret was inches from falling into the water.

Then Christy was in charge of dinner and we had hamburgers. I really enjoyed meal time especially under the grape vines. It was relaxing and nice to have everyone gathered around to visit while we ate.

Our last sunset at the house. We loved watching the sun set every night and they were gorgeous every time.

We enjoyed blackberry pie and homemade ice cream for dessert.

The girls enjoyed one last evening of shell searching and took it to the next level by searching by flashlight after it got dark.

Baylor was pretty tired by this time so we took her to bed and I fed McCall and got her to sleep and Nate stayed back with them and Paige and I had a fun late night for our last night there. The kids played laser tag out in the yard.

I came into the house later after checking on the girls to see all the cousins gathered around watching fail videos on YouTube. It was fun to watch all their reactions.

Then the girls had lots of fun (along with Aaron, Pops, and Bill) and we all did facial masks. Nona brought a whole bunch of different kinds and it was such a fun way to end the night. 

It was fun when Pops and Bill got involved and the girls all loved it that they wanted to take part in our fun.

Paige and I finally went to bed around midnight. It was a fun-filled day!

Day 5: Our last day! :( Baylor usually came into our room every morning but the last morning they were both snoozing away. It was fun to see how they slept each day with sharing a bed. They did have a rolled up blanket between them to prevent them from kicking and rolling on top of each other.

One last beach walk- Baylor finally got brave enough to hold the little crabs and after that was searching for as many little crabs as she could find and loved it and was so excited for every rock that she turned over.

We had a family prayer down by the beach before each of us taking off. It was such a good reunion and so many fun memories were made. It went by way too fast like it always does but we sure enjoyed every minute of it. Since we were only 7 minutes away, after we left we made a quick stop at Penrose State Park to explore there and get a little bit more beach combing in before heading home. I'm so glad that we did. One of us happened to find a small unicorn shell and we were excited because those are usually hard to find but then as we looked closer, the beach was covered in them. Paige was so excited and started the gather and she came home with quite the shell collection. 

We had a very quiet back seat on the way home.

What an amazing reunion and we already can't wait until the next one!