Reunion at Lake Doniphan

Our annual Vander Werf reunion was held at Lake Doniphan in Excelsior Springs, MO which is just East of Kansas City. It's always a fast weekend but one that we've tried to make a priority. We've been to 7 out of the last 9 reunions. This is Tony's mom's family... her mother and her 6 children and all their families. Not everyone can make it but those that do have a great time. No one lives in this area but it's a great place to get together!

We are about 11 hours away but the Colorado family is about 16 hours away! Some of the grandchildren had been to school only for 1-2 days before taking a few days off to come to the reunion.

Here are just a few of the snapshots taken. We enjoyed fishing, swimming, the usual talent show that gives the kids the spot light to be goofy. We enjoyed the Dutch version of "Who wants to be a guild-anaire"... (I know I didn't spell that right!). We also enjoyed watching slide shows of photos that family submitted to let us see a glimpse into their last year.

Tony's Beppe (the Dutch word for grandma) is 95 years old so every time we see her it is extra special. She is such a sweet lady with a heavy Dutch accent. The kids enjoy the wisdom that comes from her. She's always filled with compliments and kisses. So SWEET!

Quinn, Great Beppe and Madison

The bread in the picture collage is significant because this is Tony's Pakka's (grandpa's) recipe. It is for Koeke (koo-ka) which is a Frisian honey cake that he developed. This is a staple at all the Vander Werf get-togethers. Our kids really like it. Quinn even counted out all of these pieces... I guess to see if there would be enough to go around for him to have seconds! Great Beppe lives in Kansas, in her own home still. Each Wednesday evening she hosts "Coffee" at 5:30 for the Kansas families (2 daughters, their families and grandchildren). She has done this for over 30 years now! As Allison (Tony's cousin) put it... "We just know not to plan anything on Wednesday nights until after 7pm." I think that is such a neat tradition.

Well, I have LOTS to get done today so I really need to get off the computer. I got smart several years ago and starting taking the Monday off after the reunion. The kids have dentist appointments today as well as soccer practices this evening. I need to start unpacking and get the laundry started.

Love to all, Leah

PS... I added a few pictures onto previous posts so scroll down if you want to see them. Our kids saw both of their great-grandmothers this last week. I think that is an awesome treat!