I can't believe it has taken me so long to get this latest update posted on my web page. And yes, it was the First Annual Reunion. We already have some rough plans to keep doing it each year. The Heltsley family reunion 2008 has come and gone. We had a good amount of folks turn out for the big event on June 1. If you couldn't make it, just know that you were missed. We only talked about you a little bit. Just make sure that you show up for the reunion next year so you can defend yourself, and we can talk about all the rest who didn't show up.
My original plan was to also include some pictures. Sorry, I do have some, but I haven't been able to get them ready for putting on the web site yet.
It seems that the last reunion we had was estimated to be 25 years ago, but I think it was longer than that. More like 30 or 35 years. Since that time a few of the family have passed on, Everybody has grown up, gotten older, and quite a few additions have been made.
The reunion had its beginnings close to a year ago. A couple of stray cousins found my web page and through email we thought it was about time to get together again. But... ahem... of those who didn't show up, it was those cousins who were among the missing. But I do know that there had been life changes that have made it difficult for those and others to attend. We forgive you, we are all a little out of practice in getting together.
Everybody had moved so far apart that nobody could, or would decide on when and where to meet. Since my mom also thought it was a great idea, she took the ball and started making plans.
As many people that we had names and contact information for were contacted. If nobody got in touch with you, let me know by emailing me, and you will be added to the list for next time. If you know of anybody who should be added to our contact list, email me that information as well.
Original plans were to kick off at noon and go until whenever. We were running a little behind plans, but managed to get there by 11 am. It was close to 1 pm by the time the food started showing up. I mean, other Heltsley's. (So the truth about my priorities is out.) By 2 pm, most evrybody was there and we had as much as anybody could eat, and more. There was lots of good conversation and getting caught up on old times, as well as new times. It has been quite a long time since our last reunion. Everybody had so much fun that it was suggested to do it all again on Labor Day. Mom says that she'll have to pass on that idea, unless someone else makes arrangements.
We do have tenative plans to do it all again next year. Send in your thoughts on a good time. Possibly around Labor Day 2009.
For all those who didn't attend, but wanted to, start clearing your calendars for next Summer. We'll try to nail down a date by the end of the year. Part of the plan for next year is to have it in Roxana, since the facility there has more recreation activities, including a swimming pool. Not to mention it is cheaper to reserve a place.
For any who want a copy of the guest book that was collected, email me. I'll send it to you. For privacy sake, I won't post it online. If you don't want your information included, let me know and I'll take your name off the list that I'll be emailing out. If you discover a name that was left off, or contact information for someone who didn't show up, email me that information and I can supplement the guest book. We'll make sure to contact any additional family for future reunions.
Did I mention that we had a lot of fun? It had been a long time, and a lot of getting caught up was in order. For our next reunion, some of you older Heltsley's might want to get ready to be interrogated, er I mean interviewed, about past members of the family tree. So, breakout family Bibles, and sharpen up your memories and recollections of those grand parents, uncles, aunts, and other favorite long gone relatives. At least this is one relative who enjoys hearing about those stories, learning about where our family came from and the kind of people who made us who we are today.
See you all next year.