Family Picnic 2009

Thank you to all family of Doris who came together for the first annual family picnic held at Holbrook Heights Community Park, Concord, California, on what would have been her 99th birthday. Four of a possible five children of Doris were in attendance with most or all of their own families. Richard, Phil, Joy and Olie, all living in the Bay Area, were there. Personally, it was a thrill to look around and see the descendants of my mother all together for a good time. It was about 72*, sunny and breezy making sitting in circles in lawn chairs a pleasure. The pot luck was plentiful and varied. Some cooks thought they were cooking for the entire bunch of us and there was more than enough to share with the pool manager and lifeguards. I may just have a giant sign next year for the Centennial Reunion saying "COMMUNITY GAMES (I GET THE KIDS BEFORE THEY LEAVE FOR THE POOL)." Because a tournament of 3-legged race, beanbag toss, drop the clothes pin in the bottle, etc., did not happen I have all the prizes I was planning to give away stored for next year. Did anyone find a magnetic dart and beanbag? They were lost at the picnic. I propose beginning around 10 a.m. The children could sign up and already decide on a partner ahead of time and begin a triathlon by 11 a.m. in the pool before many people come, for a race either the length or width of the pool. Additionally, Oklahoma Centennial hats were donated with "100 Years" on them! I also forgot to give these away but did manage to give away the Giants cups for the children with the second name tag sticker attached. Elizabeth forgot hers if she still wants it. Because Richard, Rick, Evelania, Linda's family, the Roberts, the Genters, Donna's family, and I were in Oklahoma during their Centennial for Bev's funeral I'd like to offer a hat to all of us first at our Centennial Reunion. Otherwise, all extras will be given away in another drawing. I won't make you hang onto a sliver of paper next year. This was a dry run and just signing in was plenty without waiting for a number. Due to the unique creativity of Jade and Christine http://www.ourfamily2010.com/ was born. Please contribute your pictures, stories, and become a member. The signage was also Jade's idea, bought by Joy. T-shirts like the one I was wearing will be available for purchase for 2010 as soon as they're offered. Also, there's the matter of food. I chose to make Mother's jello salad and sure enough Joy noticed it. My husband Michael made a great chili for us, another of her favorite dishes. For 2010 and beyond it seems appropriate to take a look at my blog about Doris's Cooking and make one of the dishes she cooked regularly. There is also the idea of having someone BBQ for us and so we would need suggestions. Mexican sounds good to me even though we never ate it growing up. The side dishes we bring could be what she made, again from Doris's Cooking. I don't think I need to bring the 5-gallon orange water dispenser either since most had their own water and sodas. I could bring a smaller thermos though. I will be reserving the inside portion of Holbrook which includes 10 swimmers and 20 non-swimmers in the fee which by the way Joy has offered to pay. The reason we didn't play volleyball is because it was not set up by anyone. Also, what I thought was T-ball in a box was actually a pitching machine that required batteries! I also had miniature pool and checkers for playing at the tables. Any and all suggestions are welcome for 2010. I counted 40 members of Doris's family and one guest. I loved looking around seeing you enjoying yourselves, eating, laughing, Richard telling stories, visiting, sunbathing, playing ball with your children, playing with them at the playground, watching them swim or swimming yourself. I do laps a few times a week and love the pool. Thank you to Paul for helping collect borrowed tables, unloading, setting up the pop-up shade tent, manning the pinata which was a huge hit, and packing up everything with me. The Mecklers, then Paul and I were the last to leave. We've lived in Concord nine years June 3 and for the Centennial Reunion it will be our 10th year. So circle June 12, 2010, as soon as you can. For those who missed this year's picnic we look forward to seeing you next year.