August 6, 2012
Yesterday, the cousins on my mom’s side met for lunch. We introduced second cousins to second cousins, told stories about Grandma and Grandpa, and resurrected memories.
My grandparents, Marvin and Lorraine. Aren’t they beautiful?
As we talked, part of me wished we could slip back in time to our reunion days at Island Park, morph into those care-free kids with no worries – except how to get up on one ski and what we were going to eat for dinner. Those were good days, good times.
After lunch we crowded into the living room to watch our Kesler cousins (who couldn’t make it to the party) strut their stuff in their annual summer music video, filmed at Island Park. The song title, Good Time, couldn’t be more perfect.
We loved the cameo appearance of the Christiansen family, Marva Lu’s old doll, Cabe’s kitchen solo from DC, and the bear mace (apparently a bear shimmied up to the cabin and rummaged for food two nights in a row).
I’ve said it before but, what I love most about these videos is what they say about family. It’s the look on their faces, the line of toddlers trotting into the camper, the dance moves, the laughter and teasing. All depict the tightness of a family, the joy of simply being together, and the absolute safety of having a place we can be ourselves.
Sit back and watch them groove.
Interesting side note: I thought it would be fun for you to know, the Keslers sent an audition video to Family Feud, hoping they might get on the show. Well, they did. And in May they flew to Atlanta to film. Here they are in their coordinated outfits just before the taping of the show.
Doesn’t my cousin Landon (in purple) bear a striking resemblance to my grandpa?
They are the first family from Idaho to ever be on Family Feud! The show will air in October.
Keslers, we missed you yesterday. I vote for a reunion next Summer at the farm where we can tell more stories, belly laugh, and give those second cousins some memories of their own.
Thanks for showing us a good time. My kids think you’re rock stars. xo
p.s. more kesler videos here.
meleana
So fun! We go up to Island Park every year with my hubby's family, so it's fun to see familiar territory. From my SIL: I need to be in that family! Any single men left? 🙂
catharvy
Lisa – why yes, there is one single man left! Let's determine status. What's up Kesler fam? Is Jordan still available? 😉
Shelli
As of my last conversation with him at the cabin, Jordan is still available! Work your match-making magic, Cath!
meleana
She is 27, has season tickets to football, an avid long-distance runner, hilarious, cute, and my littles adore her. Oh, and she is very active in church and works as an RN here in SLC. Sounds like an oversell, but she is, in fact, my favorite SIL. What are the chances we could get these two a date? 🙂
catharvy
Oversell? She does sound WONDERFUL! And I know she comes on good recommendation. 😉 Let me do some sleuthing/asking and I'll get back to you!
Ulrich Family
Catherine – you are such a fabulous writer!! I'm so sad we couldn't make it to the reunion a few days ago. My husband's family reunion was going on at the same time. You are so nice to "advertise" for us! We do have a "good time" and look forward to coming to future Wray Reunions as well to have gut wrenching laughter. Thanks again!!!
TheKristencarol
THat video was so fun! Had me dancing in my chair. What a great family to be a part of. 🙂
Candice
I look forward to these videos every year. What fun to be a part of this family!
catharvy
Katie – have you read the thread on youtube? Pretty hilarious. Someone wants first dibs on Landon. (Should we tell them he's married and has six kids?) We look forward to your video every year. Sure love you!
Samsel – I need info on your performance. I'm thinking it's this weekend?
Candice – me too! xo
April Perry
Cath, your cousins are rock stars at our house, too. I'm writing a blog post about it tonight. And we saw their Family Feud audition video. So excited that they made it! (Did you know I was on Family Feud a few years ago with my siblings? We lost, but it was a lot of fun.)
I think they need to make instructional dance videos for YouTube. My kids all want to learn the dance to "Good Time". We could make a "Family Dance" post at Power of Moms, include what you wrote here about family, and send the videos out to all our moms. Then we could have a "Family Dance Day" and get everyone to teach it to their kids. And videotape it. And send it back in like "So You Think You Can Dance" did. Seriously–I am all for this. 🙂
catharvy
April – I love your kids. And I love your ideas. Kelsi's your girl, if you're serious about something like this. She's amazing. (Her blog is on my sidebar – Fullmer Family). And no, I did NOT know you were on Family Feud with your sibs. That is hilarious! How awesome. Loved your post. xoxo
alecia
That would be so cool, April!