Family Reunion Friday

Day 57
Hodgkinson/Case Family Reunion ‘97:
“Small World In A Small Town”

This reunion took place in Vernal, Utah where my dad grew up. It’s a nice, small little town, definitely in its own world. Here are some excerpts from my journal about the reunion:

Just chillin' in our hotel room in Vernal, Utah.

Thursday July 31st 1997

Don't I look thrilled to be here?

10:54pm - Mom had been dying to see the one main attraction of Vernal - Dinosaurland! (Years ago, when Jordan was a newborn, we went to Vernal and this was one of the places we checked out). Since we had some time to kill before the reunion dinner we went here. Years ago I’m certain we had ourselves a good time looking at dinosaur fossils and stuff, but it wasn’t the same now. Maybe we just had our fill of dinosaurs, what with Jurassic Park and The Lost World, or else we’re all just much older. Our interests have changed somewhat. Or else we just weren’t very energetic. It was very hot, so our visit was very brief. A few pictures and we were out of there. Then it was on to the park for dinner and relatives and whatever.

Friday August 1st 1997

One of the games we played. Aunt Gale is wearing a bright red clown wig!

11:31pm - Day Two of the Hodgkinson/Case Family Reunion. Things were definitely more lively today, as more relatives arrived and more time was spent together. After the 8am breakfast Uncle Garrett and Aunt Gale assembled everyone together for games. They were quite prepared, complete with materials, prizes and music - carnival music (that music is going to haunt my dreams tonight!) After the games it was time for lunch, and everyone was on their own for that. The next thing on the agenda was more games, courtesy of Dad and Mom. Dad and Mom did a good job; then it was time to head over to the church for dinner. Uncle Lewis was serving as the master of ceremonies. There wasn’t a table for our family to sit at, so we felt a little conspicuous. Eventually everyone took their seats and introductions were made. Uncle Lewis had each of his siblings introduce their children and grandchildren. Dad decided to be cute and clever by introducing us by name and age and then emphasized the fact that he had no grandchildren yet! How embarrassing!

Saturday August 2nd 1997

Time to say goodbye to the relatives :(

Jeremy tries to help rescue Aunt Betty,
while Uncle Dwayne and Jordan just smile

10:37pm - The last day of the reunion. We went back to the park today and saw that most of the relatives were present, including some new additions. After lunch everyone started to leave; relatives started to disappear, so we tried to say goodbye to the relatives still present. Several of the relatives were going to a museum, and so our family eventually went there and met up with everyone else. Our last activity together; then we returned to our hotel. Everyone returns to their separate lives, that is until the next reunion. And by then people will be older and seem different. And the awkward phase of reconnection will start all over again.