Anthony's tower withstands the wind for most the day.
New mother Desi and Amy enjoy watching the competative building competition.
Jeff, Marena and Jon came in second with their tower
Derrick Christian and Dave came in third with their labor of love.
Dad had a little fun with an Eiffel tower pattern and James won the contest with a structure that reached the top of the tents and stood strong for 2 days. It even fought off the critters at night. Sorry I don't have pics James.

The Obstacle Courses

Liam prepares for the climb, the dizzying walk, and the whizzing descent that is The Obstacle Course.

Liam was completely cool and climbed to the top, walked across the log without even looking the slightest bit nervous and zipped down the zip line without yelling. He was very confident and studious about it. Man, did I get some insight into his personality on this reunion.

Maren is like a tigress stalking her way across the log

Jake is extra cool because he walked across with out holding the rope.
I can't help myself
Look at all the emotions happening here. Good job David ( or Christian). I'm sorry I still can't tell you two apart!
Jenny discovers the dizzying effects of height
Jenny no longer fears height.

Little Adam was so brave and his brothers were so cute while encouraging him.
Rock n' Roll
Rosie concentrated very hard on not looking down

Anthony sauntered across the log and showed no fear.
Eric was given a challenge to skip across the log and he delivers
Annaliese stops halfway for a picture
who would guess that she has 9 children and is recuperating from a battle with cancer?
Jeff feels the wind in his hair.

Swinging to safety

Liam crosses the bog overflowing with alligators and lands on the safety of the black matt
It was a close call for Jenny, but she too lands safely on the matt
Derrick hangs on for dear life and nearly topples the pile of family holding their ground on the black matt.
James is the last to swing. The Family links arms and creates a barricade of sorts so that no man shall go overboard. James just makes it and Julie takes a very important photographic opportunity.

Teamwork

I snuck a shot of Grandma and baby Seth. They made a good team.
Team #1 struggled a little and had to change team members a few times, but they finished strong.
Team #2 cruised up and down the path at lightening speed and went above and beyond the call.

Maren and Jeff taking a breather.

A helping hand

Everyone had to work together to help each other over the log. Here is little karen getting some aid.
The big guys were last. Jon, James......
...and finally Jake.

Drum roll please....

This is for you Dave and Debbie. We all got to witness Mom's adventurous spirit while she did the obstacle course.

If there was a lesson to be learned at the reunion this year, it was to look to the example of our 69 year old mother, who despite the fact that she has had several back surgeries, can't feel her feet literally, is waiting for a doner for a cornea transplant, and can hardly lift her leg on her own because her nerves from her back are so bad, climbed and walked the log and yelled in delight down the zip line. May we be forever as courageous and adventuresome as Mom.

The Hoedown Showdown

The girls totally showed up the boys. Becky with her bad back was the last to get her spurs stepped on.

Here's the tail end of the boys' Hoedown Showdown.

The relay race

seed spitting was first on the agenda.
I'm sorry Maren. But your outfits awesomeness outweighs the embarrassment you feel at seeing your bum on my blog.

This is serious business.

I think those pants might be your lucky jeans Maren.
James completes the task.

Chillin hillbilly style

I love this one.


You guys should consider a life in the rodeo circuit. You were meant to wear those hats
chicken train, laserbeam.....