Enjoy Fun Family Food » CREATING MEMORIES

Santa Wish List Ornament

johanna — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:10:40 +0000

The idea for the Santa Wish List came from a ‘Breakfast With Santa’ event we recently attended. Santa so graciously cleared his schedule to come mingle with the children as they dined on breakfast casseroles, fruit and sausage. A young couple loitered by the piano casually leading the congregation in merry song. It was the very picture of a classic Cary Grant film.

The children were lead to a craft table to make a wish list before lining up to sit on Santa’s lap. The kids were so happy with their Christmas wish list ornament they wore them as bracelets for the rest of the morning. They are so adorable. I thought they would make a fun family tradition. I could see us years from now laughing over how silly our wish list wants were year after year. Then sharing treasured memories about the gifts we actually received.

This is the materials list from the party. The ladies were avid scrapbookers so they were well equipped with all the fancy paper, specialty punches and brads. I have spotted spools and punches at the dollar store. You can even forego the the extra embellishments and they will look just as amazing.

Materials:

Wooden spools
Red Paint
Paint brush
Thin ribbon 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness
White cardstock
Decorative hole punch- star or Christmas tree
Rubber bands
Double sided tape or hot glue
Fine tipped black ink pen
Tiny star brads
Scrapbook paper

Instructions:

1. Paint the spools red. (or use desired color)

2. Cut out strips of cardstock the same width as the inside of the spool and long enough to wrap around the spool twice.

3. Hot glue or tape one end of the cardstock to the spool. Wrap the paper around the spool once; secure with hot glue, leaving a good size tail.

4. Wrap the rubber band around the spool to hold the paper in place until dry.

5. Write wish list on the paper using fine tip pen. Write name at bottom of paper. Embellish paper with a decorative punch or stamp (optional).

6. Cut a small tag of cardstock, about 1/2-inch long and 1/4-inch wide. Write the year or person’s name.

7. Thread a strip of ribbon, about 5-inches, through the middle of the spool and tie it together. Attach tag using a decorative brad.

8. Remove the rubber band and hang it on the tree.

Saint Nicholas Day Stocking Tradition

johanna — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:00:19 +0000

Photo: Klompen – A Family of Wooden Shoes

property of be_khe’s – Flickr.com

Today commemorates the death of St. Nicholas of Myra. St. Nicholas was born into a wealthy family from the small village of Patara, located on the southern coast of modern day Turkey. Though Patara was under Greek rule at the time, St. Nicholas’ parents raised him to be a devout Christian.

Nicholas grew to develop a generous love for mankind. He lived his life ministering to the less fortunate and children. His reputation for secret gift giving is reflected in a Dutch tradition on the eve of December 5th. That night before bed children line up their clogs out on the porch or in the entryway in hopes that St. Nicholas will stop by to leave a treat. On the morning of December 6th children wake to find candy, coins and/or a small present in their clogs.

Here in the Western world we have a similar tradition. Stockings are hung the night of Christmas Eve to collect little treats from Santa Clause. Some families choose to reserve the stocking tradition as part of the St. Nicholas day celebration rather than on Christmas. We do both.

December is a wonderful time to create this amazing magical world filled with surprise and wonderment. Recognizing traditions from other countries or faiths can add to the Christmas season building roots of tradition that remain with our children forever. Adopting the St. Nicholas feast day into our winter wonderland traditions is something our children look forward to all year.

On the eve of St. Nicholas day we unpack the stockings to hang up. You could also use shoes instead of stockings. The next morning the kids might discover an orange or a small bag with hot chocolate mix to have with breakfast. There could be a treasure map to have a scavenger hunt or a special stationary set to write letters to Santa with. This year there will be tickets to a local Nutcracker ballet show.

St. Nicholas stockings, or clogs, could also serve as a fun daily advent calendar. Use pencils, a small piece of candy or puzzle pieces to put together on Christmas Eve.

Swedish Meatballs

johanna — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:30:47 +0000

One of the biggest celebrations in Sweden around Christmas time is St. Lucia Day on December 13th. The day was named after a young woman who was martyred for her faith in a Christian religion. The story tells of a young woman who helped to nurture the needy hiding in the catacombs in Rome by bringing them food despite the growing sentiment against those who believed in a Christian God.

In Sweden on St. Lucia Day girls and boys dress in white. One older girl is chosen to bear the candle wreath upon her head and leads the company of children in a parade. The St. Lucia tradition has grown in popularity throughout the world.

Each family chooses to celebrate this day in a different way. In my sister-n-law’s, Natalie, home the oldest girl dresses in white, dones a wreath, and serves everyone baked goods in their beds. We like to choose a service project to help someone in need. We also make sweet rolls for breakfast and Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes for dinner.

Source: Simple Recipes
Serves 10-12 (about 40-50 meatballs)
Meatballs:
4 tbsp butter, divided
1 large yellow onion, finely diced (or grated on a cheese grater)
1 cup milk
2 1/2 to 3 cups bread crumbs (or 4-5 slices of bread processed in a food processor)
1 1/4 pound ground pork
2 pounds ground beef (buy the package that says market fresh or fresh)
2 eggs
1 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons salt

Sauce:
6 Tbsp butter
1/3 cup flour
1 quart beef stock

In a large skillet, sauté onion in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until soften and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let cool.

Pour milk into the mixing bowl of an electric mixer. Add bread crumbs and let sit; about 2 to 5 minutes or until the milk is completely soaked up.

Add the ground pork, ground beef, cooled onions (reserving the pan to cook in), eggs, nutmeg, cardamom, salt and pepper. until the ingredients are well combined.

Use a cookie scoop to measure out tablespoon sized balls. Using your hands roll into meatballs. Set meatballs on a baking sheet.

In the same pan used to cook the onions, heat remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium to medium high heat. When the butter has melted add the meatballs in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown meatballs on all sides about 40 seconds to 1 minute each side until nice and browned. Scoop out and place on a baking rack placed in a baking sheet. (This helps to drain the excess fat)

Sauce:
In the same pan over medium heat, add 6 tablespoons of butter for the sauce. When the butter has melted slowly add the flour, mixing continuously with a wire whisk until smooth. Cook about 1 minute longer to brown. Continue to whisk while adding the broth in a steady stream. Whisk sauce until it is completely smooth and void of any lumps. Bring to a boil then turn the heat to low; simmer about 5 minutes more to thicken.

Add the meatballs to the sauce and turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

To serve, remove the meatballs from the sauce and place in a serving bowl. If desired add the sour cream mixing well. Serve with Lingonberry Jelly, boiled potatoes and steamed green beans.

Variations:
– Mix a couple tablespoons lingonberry, cranberry, red currant or raspberry jelly, into the sauce before serving.
–Mix 1/2 to 3/4 cup sour cream with the meatballs in the serving bowl.

Dressing up the Thanksgiving Table

johanna — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:35:22 +0000

When planning a holiday meal, setting the stage is just as important as the meal itself. From elegant china to simple paper plates, table decor is the backdrop that sets a special dinner apart from the everyday. A festive table and decore need not be fussy or expensive. A simple scattering of leaves and votives can add just the right touch of flare to a harvest Thanksgiving table.

Incorporating decorations should not feel like an added stress. There is enough stress just worrying about the food and guests. Below are some fun ideas for table decore from the simple and inexpensive to formal and more time consuming. Feel free to illicit help from children and/or relatives.

Kids/Family Style Table:
I love the idea of using little boats for place cards and vintage maps as placemats or a table covering. Children can design their own turkey placemat using feathers or construction paper. Have them write what they are most thankful for on each turkey feather (if using paper). A boat can be made using paper, felt, paper mache, or a toy. Fill with nuts, dried fruit, toys, or a small game.

Place Settings:
A paper placemat or a ribbon around a napkin is a gorgeous way to add flare to a table. Use fabric squares as napkins or placemats. A burlap placemat pared with a rust colored suede ribbon would look picture perfect. Maybe add a row of votives down the center of the table, instant pizzaz. Fruit, pinecones, grains, a few leaves are inexpensive but can transform a table like magic. Cans make greats vases. And you will have plenty of them if you are making pumpkin pie. Leave the wrapper on or peel it off and wrap with paper or a ribbon.

Color Themes:
When deciding how and what to place on the table, begin with the color scheme. For a more modern eclectic style, fabric, patterns, and dishware do not have to match so long as the colors are in harmony with each other. For a fun fall table bring the outside, indoors. Stick with fall wood tones of whites and browns, incorporating natural elements such as rocks, leaves, branches, moss, vegetables and fruits.

Halloween Mystery Dinner

johanna — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:39:25 +0000

Photo: by Bunny Cakes

Beverage:

Slug Butter beer

Black Quagmire Potion

Appetizer:

Freshly Picked Graveyard Morsels

Skinned Vampire Fingers

Zombie Brains

Crispy Fried Bat Wings

Main Course:

Roasted Heart of Troll

Ogre Eyeball Sub

Dessert:

Snickers Cheesecake

Fruity Ghosts and Pumpkins

Apple Harvest Festival

johanna — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:08:34 +0000

Photo: Courtesy of Istock Photo

One of my favorite children’s books is, “The Blackberry Mouse” by Matthew Grimsdale. “The Blackberry Mouse” is a wonderful tale about a greedy young mouse who learns a valuable lesson about friendship. The story ends with Mouse and his neighborhood friends gathered together around the table enjoying a blackberry feast. There is blackberry jam, blackberry jelly, blackberry pies, lots and lots of blackberry tarts, and blackberry juice.

September marks the beginning of apple season. Mounds of succulent apples have already made their way to the market. The fall apple harvest reminds me of Mouse’s elaborate table laden with delectable blackberry goodies. There are so many wonderful edible creations to make with apples. What better way to celebrate the fall apple harvest than with an Apple Feast.

Many apple farms across California open their orchards to the public to celebrate the apple harvest. U-Pick It farms are ideal for an adventurous family outing. Although, the fun need not stop once the basket is filled. The real excitement begins at home making apple cider, apple jelly, apple butter, applesauce, apple pie, apple turnovers… However, fanfare such as this should never be enjoyed alone.

Mouse, in the story Blackberry Mouse, recognized that blackberries are nice but even better when you share them. Preserved goods such as jams and butters make perfect gifts for Christmas or to say “Thank You”. Tasty cakes, muffins and turnovers make the grand beginnings for a family apple festival.

Photo: Courtesy of HomeMadeSimple.com

An Apple Festival can be a small intimate gathering with family and/or friends. Or a grand event involving the neighborhood or community. Fun activities and good food made with apples are a must to pull off a successful Apple Feast.

**For those with allergies to apples substitute pears.

Apple Festival Activities:
Apple Bobbing- Fill a large container with water and apples. Bob for apples using only your mouth, no hands. Or attach apples to a string- participants must pull the apple from the string using only their mouth, no hands allowed.

Apple Toss- Stand in two lines. Each person has a partner. Toss the apple to your partner. If they catch it you both take a step back. If you drop it you are out. Last couple standing wins.
Apple Darts- Attach ‘red balloons’ to a board or wall. Participants throw darts to try to pop a balloon. If offering prizes place a ticket or several tickets in each balloon that can be exchanged for treats and prizes.
Apple Tasting- Display a variety of different types of apples. Place each variety on its own plate. Label. Keep a tally of who likes what best.

Apple Crafts:

1. Apple Votive 2.Apple Pumpkin Stamp 3. Apple Placemats 4. Apple Tree Lacing Card 5. Recycled Apple Book Tute 6. Apple Stamps 7. Mod Podge Apples 8. Crochet Apples 9. Apple Print Banner 10. Recycled Bottle Apple

Apple Treats:

1. Apple Butter 2. Fruit Leather 3. Applesauce 4. Apple Dip 5. Apple Cake 6. Apple Turnovers 7. Praline Apple Bread 8. Autumn Cheesecake 9. Caramel A pples (caramel sauce) 10. Apple Cider 11. Fried Apples Pies 12. Spiked Apple Cake 13. Apple Zeppole 14. Apple Cider Doughnuts 15. Apple shaped cupcakes 16. Apple Pie-rate Ship 17. Apple Crisp 18. Fried Apple Fritters 19. Apple Spiced Punch 20. Apple Muffins 21. Apple Scones, Walnut Apple Scones 22. Apple Dumplings 23. Almond Apple Strudel Bars 24. Apple Pie 25. Candied Apples 26. Apple Strudel Bars 27. Creamy Apple Chicken Chili 28. Pork Chops with Apple Chutney

Family Togetherness: After Dinner Jaunt

johanna — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:13:23 +0000

Artwork: “Evening Stroll”, by Ludmila Korol

My summers as a kid were fantastic. It was not all about getting away from the confines of school; although, I am sure that was a great source of my happiness. I was glad to have the wind in my hair and the grass between my toes. The majority of each summer was spent alternating between my Aunt Sandra’s house and my Aunt Ruth’s; both lived in rural areas of Florida. My Aunt Sandra lived north of Tampa in the small town of Brooksville. Her house was nestled on a spacious piece of land on the outskirts of town. When we were younger my cousin Jean boarded a horse on part of the land. It was a real treat to feed the horse sugar cubes and carrots. The horse was old; still Jean would let us climb on for a short jaunt around the yard.

During the week when my Aunt had to work the house served as a base station for our mini day trips. The days we stayed in were spent lounging around watching movie rentals, playing games, or listening to music. At night after dinner we would take a walk around “the loop”. The exercise helped to ease digestion after stuffing our bellies. It also served as an outlet for our wiggles. During the cooler months with flash lights in hand we half-jogged and half-walked the mile long loop. Crazy as it may seem of the many memories I have while visiting my Aunt’s house, walking the loop is one of my favorites. It was sort of a mini adventure, walking around in the darkness.

My son has been begging to go on an after dark excursion. In the fall when the sunsets earlier in the evening the kids get so excited when they get to take their flashlights with them. Walks are not only to help wear out the kids for bedtime. They can be a free date night activity and a form of stress management.

Even though walking is a form of exercise it is a relaxing way to improve energy levels and boost your mood. Walking in the evening helps to unwind the body relieving the stresses of the day. The soothing rhythmic motion can clear away negative thoughts. It gives the mind time to resolve problems.

It is uncanny how a simple tradition of walking can create a lifetime of fond memories. Not to mention a happy soul and healthy color.

Family Togetherness: Snapshot Scavenger Hunt

johanna — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:36:50 +0000

When I was a youth I loved scavenger hunts. The hunts involved having to bag of road kill, singing in a public place, or visiting a shop or spooky cemetery in the dark for the next clue. It was pretty outrageous. My little ones mirror my enthusiasm for scavenger hunts. Our hunts are a bit more tame such collecting a purple flower or black bobby pin.

Scavenger hunts are a great learning tool for preschoolers. Send them off looking for 1 worm, 2 pebbles, 3 flowers, 4 leaves, and so on up to 5 or 10. When the kids were little I drew pictures to illustrate the article to be found on a large sheet of paper. As they found the items they taped them to the paper next to the picture.

Lately the kids have been fascinated with taking pictures and movies using the camera. Why not turn it into a game.

1. Make a list of items such as objects or places. Work as a team or separate into groups depending on the number of cameras available. Take stills of each object.

Here are some suggestions to add to the list:
Picture of a team
Flag
Swing
Statue
Garden sculpture
Museum
Glass building
Wooden bridge
Forest
Cemetery
Worm
Butterfly
Fire
Rain
Cloud animal
An ant hill
Chicken
Cow patty
Political activity
Map
Mailbox
Bus
Keys
Graffiti art
Roadside memorial or shrine
Types of food

2. Organize the photos to make a movie or collage. If there are multiple teams hold an art exhibit or screening to judge the best works of art. Offer rewards based on the most comical, serious, original, ect.

Variations:
- This concept may also be used to illustrate the various elements of photography: warmth, strong, light, shadows, lines, and so on.
- For a fine art rendition try to find examples of Abstract, Deco, Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Renaissance, in addition to depictions of famous artists.

First Day of School Traditions

johanna — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:21:44 +0000

Photo: Property of the CupcakeProject.com

When my oldest child was about to start kindergarten I had not begun to think about the yearly rites of passage. I was too consumed with the swirling emotions of sending my baby off to all day kindergarten. Stephen delightedly recalled memories of school clothes shopping and the first day of school photo. The mention of school shopping sent my mind back to the Saw Grass Mills Mall in South Florida. Who could ever forget retail bliss a mile long. As I reminisced a little while longer I remembered a few of the odious haunts of the 80′s I chose to leave buried in the past. The K-Swiss sneakers from 10th grade were not so embarrassing as the white Reebok high-tops I had to have in 9th grade and the orange neon pleather purse I just could not live without in 6th grade. Just Scary.

This year our daughter is about to embark on her first year in Kindergarten. In keeping with our newly found family traditions she got a new backpack, a lunch box, and a new coat in addition to several new outfits. When the big day arrives we will take the much anticipated “first day of school” snapshot. To let her know we are thinking of her she will find a special note attached to a yummy (but healthy) treat inside her lunch pail. That night the dinner menu is kids choice (within reason). It is always nice to have a relaxing comforting meal at the end of a high anxiety day.

The following is a list of fun ways to help motivate the kids in preparing them for back to school.

Back to School Shopping: Make a special day of it. Take your daughter for a pedicure, take the boys to the movies.

Back Packs and Lunch Boxes: We have a tradition once the kids start Kindergarten they get a new backpack and lunch box.

Special Breakfast: Try to avoid sugary foods that tend to cause the kids to crash. Fill their bellies and minds with hearty oatmeal or protein boosting eggs and toast. Pair proteins like nuts, eggs or yogurt with sugary dishes like pancakes.

Back to School Brunch: The day before the big day invite friends or keep it just family to a back to school brunch. This is a more appropriate time to serve favorites such as cinnamon rolls or doughnuts. Set up a table with packages of needed school supplies such as crayons, pencils, rulers, paper, ect. Help the kids put their supplies in their backpacks so they are all ready for school in the morning.

Back to School Dinner: If breakfast is too rushed plan a special dinner. The menu can be kids choice, a family favorite, or go out to eat.

Ice cream sundaes: Treat the kids to an ice cream dessert. Invite friends over after school or serve as a dessert with dinner.

1st day of School Photo: The first day of school picture can be a fun group photo or a single snapshot of each child. Some families like to use the same backdrop year after year. Have the kids hold up the same number of fingers as the grade they are entering or create a banner with their name and grade to stand in front of.

Decorations: Secretly hang up balloons and streamers the night before to surprise them in the morning. Make a banner with glitter and markers for the front door that includes the kids names and grade.

Make Goals: At breakfast or the day before gather as a family to come up with individual and family goals. Review goals once a month. Discuss what is expected of them at home and at school. No TV until chores and homework are done. If the week is hectic maybe you plan to move chores to saturday. If someone has a hard time with math discuss ways to help them.

After School Treat: Bake homemade cookies for when they get home. Nothing says love like fresh baked bread or cookies.

The Back to School Fairy or Magic School Bus: Leave a backpack filled with snacks and school supplies by their pillow or by the front door.

German Schultuete: This giant posterboard cone is filled with back-to-school goodies and supplies as a token of good luck. Similar to a Christmas stocking. Decorate with stickers and markers or use fancy paper. Fill the Schultuete with edible treats, fun bright supplies (markers, glue, pens, erasers, Post-it notes, magnet letters, ect), and small trinkets or toys.

12 Days Before School: Hang the kid’s backpacks on their door. Put something new in it each day to count down the days to school.

Color of the Day: Choose a color the whole family will wear on the first day.

Swim and BBQ party: Plan a swim party before school starts or a week or two after. Waiting a week allows the kids to invite a friend or two from school. Have games to play or another kind of fun activity.

Letter to Child: The start of school is a major milestone. Take the time to write a heart felt letter pointing out how proud you are of your child. List several attributes you admire about them and why.

Classic Tradition: Come up with a fun song to sing or a story to read during breakfast each year on the 1st day of school.

Walk to school together: If possible park several block away and walk your child to school. The leisurely stroll will help release some of the tention.

Special Touches: Send the kids to school with a special treat in their lunch bag- a love note, a sandwich cut into a fun shape using cookie cutters, or a favorite snack.

Family Togetherness: Family Reunions

johanna — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:20:12 +0000

Artwork: ‘The Tree of Life’ by Fawaz Alolaiwat

Family reunions can be a source of great enjoyment. Each time I am able to make it across country to be with my family it feels like a family reunion. The last time I visited there was an intimate reunion at my cousin Kitty’s home. It was nice to see the cousins I had not seen for ages. Every summer the relatives on my dad’s side gather together in Georgia. It is such an amazing experience to connect with those whom I have never met before.

Reunions can be a social gathering to celebrate a holiday or special occasion. They can also be a once in a lifetime event to join generations of family together. To have a successful reunion all it takes is some advance planning and a few helping hands.

1. The Guest List: The first step to planning a reunion is figuring out who is invited? How far out on the family tree do you want to branch out? Is this going to be a small affair between immediate family (grandparents, parents and grandchildren)? Or is this a once in a life time reunion to mingle with distant relatives?

2. Budget: Money is such an ugly word sometimes. Unfortunately cost is a pretty important aspect of organizing a family reunion. Keep in mind phone calls will need to be made. Invitations mailed. The venue: camping, rec-hall, park, garden, ect. Then there is the food, lodging, gas, decorations, games, and a myriad of other small details that can quickly add up. Reunions can last from one day up to three days. The general rule is the farther family have to travel the longer the reunion.

3. Buzz: Determine if there is any interest among targeted family members. Send out a survey to let relatives know a reunion is in the works (about a year or two in advance for larger get togethers). This allows those interested living a great distance away to start planning. Ask for feedback on possible dates, type of reunion (picnic, BBQ, resort, cabin, cruise), venue location, and interest in helping with the planning. Encourage them to respond back by a certain date. Use the survey to collect missing contact information.

4. The Team: The number of committee members will depend on the scale of the reunion. Divide the tasks up into categories and delegate if needed. Make sure each committee understands what their budget is and sticks to it.

Chairperson: The chairperson is usually the one who came up with the idea. Or find someone in the family who is responsible enough and enjoys planning and executing special events to help co-chair the project. The chairperson oversees the entire production to ensure that the event runs smoothly. They procure the location and keep tabs on each committee.

Finances: The finance committee works closely with the Chairperson and the fundraising committee (if using). They remind each sub-committee to stay on budget. They are also responsible for collecting the monetary contributions from each family.

Fundraising: If you plan to raise money for the reunion by way of auction, raffle, or other fund raising activity you will want to create a fundraising subcommittee.

Promotions: This group is in charge of collecting addresses, making phone calls, and printing and mailing invitations. The invitation should include: time, place, theme, cost person family, menu arrangements- particularly if a potluck dish required, request for photos and stories, accommodation information, and RSVP information. Follow up with those who RSVP a month before the scheduled reunion day.

Decorations/Setup/Cleanup: This group is in charge of ordering rental equipment, setting up the tables and chairs (if needed) and clean up. They also are responsible for coming up with ideas for decorating the welcoming table, the dinner tables and location.

Food: This group organizes the food whether it is ordering from a caterer, managing a pot luck, or making reservations at a restaurant.

Activities: The activities committee ensures everyone is having a good time. They plan the music, entertainment, games, sports, crafts, and activities for the kids as well as adults.

Accommodations: The accommodations committee is responsible for the lodging of any out of town guests. This may include reserving campsites, blocks of hotel rooms, or spaces in the homes of local relatives.

Photographer: After all the hard work and effort you want something to show for it all. The photographer is responsible for taking all the keepsake shots during the reunion.

Favors: The favors committee is responsible for the memorabilia. T-shirts and hats could be purchased to wear at the event. A completed family tree with picture/s from the event or newsletter may be mailed later.

5. The Venue: When choosing a location take into account the demographics of those attending. Children need room to run. Older people may prefer more shade when out of doors and comfortable seating. Some ideas for types of reunions include the following–

A Picnic / BBQ: This is the easiest and least expensive way to have a reunion. It is especially great for large groups. Choose between morning or late afternoon. Hold it in the backyard, at a park, the beach, or rec-center. Each family can be responsible for their own food or asked to bring a side dish.

Dinner Reception: This type of reunion is hassle free but more expensive. It is usually held at a nice restaurant, hotel, or resort where the hotel’s Events Planner can take care of most of the planning.

Camping: Camping trips are reserved for smaller groups typical of a more intimate family gathering. Rent cabins, an RV or camp in a tent. A good state park provides hours of fun: boating, skiing, swimming, hiking, golf courses, biking, ect. The only downside is the locale may not be suitable for some of the older family members.