The following is an archive of our planning discussion for our August 2005 Ken Weathers family reunion.
aunt Sue - Mon Mar 7 17:05:19 2005
Well, the first weekend of August in now official! We will have the camp from Friday noon to Monday noon. (That's 3 nites there)
The next thing will be finding out numbers of those coming, whether for the whole time there, part of the time etc.
We can also give a list of "things to bring" This is a typical camp: no bedding, (sheets, towels, blankets, pillows, Sleeping bags or whatever. Just bunk type twin beds. We will need to know about baby play pens, cribs/porta beds etc, so we can do a search soon for how to borrow these items.
Thanks to all that responded...now we need to get the word out on the dates!
Love to all,
Aunt sue
HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY TO JOLENE!! - {posted by her mother} - Fri Mar 4 19:57:23 2005
Speaking with Jolene & Rachel Gregory this morning:
First weekend in August is fine with both of them.
Lookin' good everyone!
Love to ALL,
jan
Aunt Lois - Fri Mar 4 11:57:30 2005
Been sick for almost a week, and just getting back "on". Ang told me she had posted.Had hoped she relayed that earlier in Aug. is better from this household, too. I'm not sure what date Jedi starts Vo-tech, but it has been getting earlier and earlier. 14th Aug last year, I think.
Say, Matt, could you put at link at the top of the page, so when we read the latest posting, we can just "click" to come down to the reply box? This page is getting pretty long to scroll down through. Thanks!
David and Lisa (posted by Matthew) - Thu Mar 3 23:35:10 2005
It sounds like Sue is suggesting the reunion be the first weekend in Aug. Someone can let her know that that's fine for us too.
Aunt Sue sue@surf1.ws - Wed Mar 2 16:43:57 2005
Thanks to everyone that's responding!!! What a great help. Tomorrow we will make our decision, hopefully one that works for everyone!
Love Aunt Sue
Angela - Tue Mar 1 20:24:34 2005
The only person I was worried about was Scarlett. I just talked to her and she said that actually works better for her. She was not going to able to come the 12th-15th. On this end, 5th-8th seems fine. Can't speak for Sarah as she is several thousand miles away out-of-pocket. But, I am sure it should work for her as she currently has no other job or life. ;-}
Matthew - Tue Mar 1 18:24:22 2005
The August 5-8th dates are fine with me.
Andy Weathers (posted by Matthew) - Tue Mar 1 18:23:55 2005
...to capitalize on being in Tucson when friends are not gone on vacation (early August) it would make more sense to go straight to Washington first then Tucson later in the month. So it wouldn't bother me to check into Bear Paw Camp a week earlier than planned.
John and Tara Gregory - Tue Mar 1 15:13:07 2005
That will be fine for us
Mark & Esther W. - Tue Mar 1 12:44:35 2005
The new dates for earlier in August are fine with us.
Aunt Sue sue@surf1.ws - Mon Feb 28 23:33:05 2005
HOWDY Everyone...this is a NEWS FLASH!!!! BEAR PAW CAMP will be able to offer us the weekend of AUG 5 (FRI) thru AUG 8th (MON.) This allows us to have the whole camp to ourselves, and not try to work around a large church group that will be there all day Sunday. (Basically we're supposed to be "background" and not near their activities etc...
WE NEED AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE ON THIS!!!! As the camp won't be able to hold those dates for long. This allows us to spend more time together in one setting. Also, Washington state has been declared in a major drought by the govenor, which makes us question what that might mean to our poor well situation at this house. So lets respond as soon as possible! Love to all
Aunt Sue
Dale Weathers - Fri Feb 25 19:40:05 2005
Everybody Come!
Here is the the camp's web site http://www.bearpawcamp.com/
Lois - Thu Feb 24 17:10:07 2005
Thanks, Matt, for keeping everyone communicating. Reminded me to update progress here.
Angela is working on how many from here would be interested in flying up. I think she talked to Jan about getting good rates eventually. Because of that, maybe it's too early to discus driving options or the possibility of renting a van, like Mark suggested. There may not be many that could take that much time.
I suggested to Sarah that since everyone will be up there already gathered, she plan her wedding for there in Washington. But I think she doesn't want to leave her grandparents out. She's off to journey to Israel; Chad took her today to Texas, and will take her to the airport in Dallas early Sat. Maybe she'll have more clearcut ideas when she gets back in a couple months.
Love and Blessings to all!
Lois
(Uncle) Mark W. - Sat Feb 12 10:44:22 2005
Hi, everybody. This "discussion forum" is a great way to chat together.
Esther and I talked to Jan last night before she made her "Final Posting" below. I'm thankful for all she and Dale and Sue have done to find a place for us to meet. In the Weathers tradation of speaking for others when we think they could have been more explicit, I'll summarize how I understand the "FINAL" plans stand. [Liberal use of quote marks in memory of Uncle Gene].
DATES FOR MAIN GENERAL REUNION: afternoon Fri. August 12 thru forenoon Monday 15th.
PLACE: Bear Paw Camp, 7 mi. N. of Newport, WA see www.bearpawcamp.com
COST: Dale & Co. have arranged a special deal for us, and the "Newport Gang" is offering to cover the expenses for the rest of us who will have high travel costs. (There I go, speaking for others from hearsay, but they didn't post here what I heard them say, and I feel it's important for the rest of you to know.)
MEALS: Friends of Dale & Sue, and Jan in Newport will help prepare meals for us.
ACTIVITIES: We can just hang out together! Check the camp website and see the neat location and things to do. We'll want everyone to bring any pictures albums they wish to share, including digital ones. They plan to borrow a video porjector. We'll want to sing and pray together too!
EXTRA TIME: For many of us it will be a challenge to take off time to travel and be at BEAR PAW CAMP for 3 days. But for any interested Dale and Jan are offering their homes us to spend the extra time in the area, maybe backpacking or the like, either before or after the main reunion days.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE: Dale says they have a couple large vehicles, and he and Natan and Daniel are willing to make trips to and from the Spoakne airport when any of us need them.
I know there were other ideas in all of our minds, but I'm glad we have dates and a place pinned down. We're looking forward to seeing all who can come. We expect all from our part of the family, except Joel and Renιe, to be there.
Mark
(Aunt) Jam FINAL POSTING - Fri Feb 11 18:20:55 2005
Yes, this will be my final posting (with the possible exception at a later date of anticipated $ per person for food). I have already overly monopolized this forum and will let others take over from here.
Thank you for your entry, Lois. I just spoke with both of our brothers & Esther within the last hour & it sounds like with so many already planning to come here (eastern Washington) in Aug, those plans will continue. [We did not intend for the decision to be made solely by our generation.]
Despite my research (& those I knew were checking) I did not find any central US (ie: SD, Colo, etc) accomodations with plumbing for more than 8 or 10 people which was $ attractive.
Perhaps the best way to include Morgans who would not be coming here is to hope some of the rest of us could travel that way at a later date.
We expect to have an email go out to everyone soon.
I LOVE EVERYBODY!! May we remember to wait before the Lord & watch how He completes this which He has so obviously (to me) started.
jan
Lois, for the Morgans - Fri Feb 11 11:01:28 2005
Well, first I have to appologize for taking more than 3 weeks to do this, since Jan had called me. Seems I don't get as much computer time as I used to.
I was really glad to get to visit in person with Jan, John, Tara over a month ago, and I do like that face-to-face kind of communication better. Regardless, thanks(!!!!), Matt, for providing this forum to help!
I had thought Sarah and Angela were posting, as they had told me they had "visited" this page. (first few times I tried I had a computer lock-up before I found it).
Angela urged me today to get on, yet says she doesn't see how she can drive 6 days with 2 small children, to get to WA. I think Jan expressed the problem of her husband getting off work.
I don't know what Sarah will decide to do by that time, but I know will probably be pretty busy with wedding plans.
SOOO... is it totally "out" to have a reunion here, central US, but later, when the weather would be cooler in Oct? That way we could do wedding and reunion at the same time!
This was Roger's question, whether that idea was totally "out", but I see now it never was really adequately proposed. From what I read, looks like the later date would be a problem to several.
I think Timothy would be interested in a trip to WA state, but he may not have enough vacation time.
It appears Jason and Melissa may be in England within the next few months, with their baby girl, due late April. (plan to name her Heather, I hear).
I will try again to get Caleb to post here his thoughts.
Josiah has the same problem getting off work that Angela's husband has. I've not heard of a desire to travel, from him either.
Grace says she LOVES the idea... BUT... that's her busy landscaping season, and she wouldn't be able to come.
Hezekiah I hope would consider it, as he needs to travel more, but he's not sure about job situations by that time.
Roger and I, (and the rest of the "homebodies" here)would prefer something closer, as he does need to keep up with his clients, and not be gone long. I don't think our van would make the trip to WA, with its weak transmission.
Is the Dakotas idea completely defunct?
I personally wouldn't mind traveling some, all other considerations and obstacles disregarded, especially since the destination would be a wonderful time with you all! However, I also need to be available to help Sarah however she needs (sewing, etc), so remain open and seeking the Father's will.
Greetings and hugs to all!!!
Lo
NEW DEVELOPMENT - from A. Jam - Fri Feb 4 19:16:27 2005
(Uncle) Mark or (Aunt) Esther [so I thot] were going to add a communique here but I'll go ahead since folks may want to read this over the weekend.
Today the three of us spoke and it sounds like a fairly firm plan may be developing. Last evening, I dined with the Dale Weathers family & we had considerable discussion there, also. So, here 'tis:
Sue had learned from proprietor friends of a nearby Christian camp that they are graciously making Friday, August 12th thru early Monday, August 15th available to us at their otherwise booked Camp which is situated half a dozen miles NE of Newport WA along the shores of the Pend Oreille River.
We three siblings & families (at least) concur that this is a very attractive senario and would like to proceed with plans in that direction should the rest of you be willing.
My place as well as the Dale Weathers' (if I understand correctly) would be available for any who we can persuade to come early & stay late surrounding those dates. BACKPACKING anyone?? Excursion into 'Beautiful British Columbia' with the world's longest free ferry ride? LOTS MORE VISITING! Etc., etc.
Those relatives residing in 'the heart of America' should know that Michael & Kathleen Gregory (who are leaving for Germany Feb. 7) are willing to let hardy folks overnite in their travels at their now sparsely furnished but spacious home NE of the Denver metro area. Perhaps those driving from points south could collect some Morgans or others on their way north?
From Mike & Kathleen's place to Newport WA is 1070 miles, but there's Yellowstone NP halfway in between, etc. Today Mark & Esther mentioned the potential of some of us pitching in to rent a van for a jolly journey from whatever central US location.
Ok: the camp's ammenities: Well shaded with mature evergreen trees; Smooth, level grounds with additional grassy recreation area down near large sandy beach sloping into the tranquil Pend Orielle River; Variety of comfortable cabins; Dining hall & kitchen (local friends offer to cook for us); 2 large separate meeting buildings; Swimming pool, pool house & UGH! sauna!! Playground. Remodeling & updating is being done in part by Nathan & Daniel.
Well, this is long enuf for now. Just thot I'd get something out there for all to read.
JAM's CORRECTION - Thu Feb 3 10:11:39 2005
DATES: AUGUST 1, 2, 3 & 4 INSTEAD
Well, now I know at least one person read the previous entry fairly soon. Sorry 'bout the test -- Just wanted to see if I'd get much response: Dates were for the middle of the second week of August. I hope that didn't induce anyone to actually purchase tickets based on those dates. ;{
HERE'S THE NAIL:... - Tue Feb 1 21:00:04 2005
... TO NAIL DOWN THE DATE: by (aunt) Jam:
From all the many I have spoken with, no one objects to the middle 3 or 4 days of the first week of August for the 'official' dates - with overlapping on either or both weekends for anyone who can. THEREFORE, IF I MAY MAKE SO BOLD, (Mark) UNLESS THERE ARE IMMEDIATELY COMMUNICATED OBJECTIONS,:
AUGUST 8, 9, 10 & 11 ARE THE DATES
which Andy & Kristen & the Balks can now count on for their tickets ???
[I'll be contacting a family I know who reside near the Black Hills of South Dakota to inquire if they know of a good place. Andy, I'd be happy to work with YOUR WA friends, too, if you'd like to give me contact info.]
Love to all,
jan
John Gregory - Tue Feb 1 19:58:05 2005
Alright folks. Anyone in agreement with setting the "Where" question aside for a moment. I've heard a few folks expressing more concern at the moment with "When". Lots of folks need to plan for time off work and transglobal airline flights so let nail down the time first.
Here's a goal: Pick the time within the next week and the place within the next 3 weeks.
Tara and vote on the first week in August (Sat 30Jul thru Sun 07Aug) but honestly we don't care. Let's just nail it down.
PS - let's hear from more of the Morgans!!!
(Aunt) Jam - Mon Jan 31 16:22:18 2005
Dear Andy [in response to your email] and to everyone else,too;
A month ago I was actually thinking of Black Hills (SD) as a fine central place. Mt. Rushmore area sounds great -- but is there sufficient plumbing, food prep & rain shelter at their [WA folks] place for nearly half a hundred people?
John Gregory - Thu Jan 27 20:36:15 2005
John here. As Tara said we are flexible about when and where, but sorry Sarah, no human being wants to be anywhere near Austin in August oh wait a minute, we live here (hehehehe). We wholeheartedly vote against Austin with its 100 degree temps and 90% humidity. No one will have fun in a sauna. But we will need ample notice in order to get time off work. Sounds like its narrowing in on early August which works for us.
I realize this is just the preliminary brainstorming portion but I thought I would throw out some more ideas/details:
Lake Powell borders Utah and Arizona (check out www.lakepowell.com) bottom line ballpark price ranging for house boat rental (all boats sleep 10-12 people):
7 day 75 Luxury = $741 per person, 44 Economy = $185 per person.
5 day 75 Luxury = $529 per person, 44 Economy = $163 per person.
Other options:
18 Speedboat (divided by 12 people) = $118 per person for 5 days, $165 per person for 7 days, plus gas. Two house boats (24 people) divide that by two = $60pp 5 day, $83pp 7 day, plus gas.
Personal watercraft (PWC) - $158pp 7day, 24 people = $80pp
Total Adventure Scenario: 24 people, two 44 houseboats, one speedboat, one PWC (includes gas and food) = $431pp + travel for 7 days, $339pp + travel for 5 days.
Medium Adventure Scenario: 24 people, two 44 houseboats and just the speedboat, (no PWC, includes gas and food) = $341pp + travel for 7 days, $279pp + travel for 5 days.
Complete Relaxation Scenario: 24 people, two 44 houseboats (no speedboat or PWC, includes gas and food) = $243pp + travel for 7 days, $204pp + travel for 5 days.
After two cruises to the Caribbean and one to Hawaii I still consider Lake Powell the ULTIMATE vacation hands down!!! Overflowing amounts of relaxation for visiting, reading, fishing, or knitting, and infinite amounts of exploration on the water or hiking. Or how about the adventures like cliff diving!!! The best part about it is that there is no schedule to keep like you would have on any other vacation. You, and only you, decide what you want to do, when you want to do it. Sorry ladies, not many shopping opportunities but you can do that when you get home. I know the prices above will be financially prohibitive for some but I thought Id put it up here just in case it seemed realistic. Just set aside $50 a month for the next seven months and youre gravy!!! Worried about kids and water? Only time you really need to pay extra attention is while traveling (required to wear a life-vest) but while anchored they can be on the safety of shore. One more really cool thing: it cools down just right at night to sleep out under the stars on top of the houseboat, and no mosquitos!!! The darnedest thing ever! Of course there are plenty of beds inside for everyone also.
Ok next
Cruise out of Galveston: Dont know any details on this but Tara found a cruise for two adults and two children with Royal Caribbean (one of the best cruiselines in our opinion) out of Galveston, Texas for $1200 (not including airfare). That is an unbelievable deal!!!! With a large group I bet we could do better than that.
I also like the idea of a camp/lodge in the Spokane, WA area. Aunt Sue Id love to hear what the cost per person will be on that. With a group like this could turn out to be camping could turn out to be more of a hassle than everyone hopes (cooking, cleaning, dressing, pitching tents, changing and disposing of diapers, etc, etc, etc). Camping in small groups is much easier.
Man Ive got tons of ideas!!
Canada/US Boundary Waters (too prohibitive for kids though)
Lake Powell
Cabins in Colorado
Lake Powell
Sequoia or Redwood Forest in California
Lake Powell
Yellowstone
Lake Powell
Grand Canyon
Lake Powell
Vancouver, British Columbia ($$$$$$$)
Lake Powell
The Grand Tetons in Wyoming
Lake Powell
Glacier National Park in Montana (good for kids)
Lake Powell
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Lake Powell
More ideas to come
John and Tara Gregory - Thu Jan 27 15:22:11 2005
I guess I wil submit opinions that John and I share since he hasn't had the time to yet. We are very open about where and when. We would love to at least know the dates as soon as possible for getting off work. It sounds like early August works for most and that sounds great to us. We would be up for Mexico or Washington or Colorado. It really doesn't matter. John would really love to go to Lake Powell. Maybe camping or houseboats? We have also found very affordable 7 day cruises out of Galveston, texas that go to Mexico. I know it's probably a bit much for some but it's just a thought. Personally, I love aunt sue's idea about a camp in Washington. Thanks for the open forum!!
Sarah Morgan - Tue Jan 18 11:19:30 2005
Well, since I'm contemplating a wedding in October and would love to see you all there, of course I'd think that time frame and location would be good, but I DO understand others schedules. (Yes, for those of you who have not heard, I believe I've found the man of my dreams, and an engagement announcement should be soon forthcoming. We're giving dad a little more time to get to know Chad, since he lives in Texas and hasn't had ample time with the family.)
Has anyone thought of maybe Yellowstone or somewhere thereabouts? That's a nice central location for those in the NE and NW. Maybe we could all camp? I guess it would be nice and less expensive if we did have a base at someone's house though. Angela says it would be really hard for her and the boys to go if it were too many days drive away since her husband Chuck would not be able to take off work at the same time as Timothy and Josiah as they all 3 work at the same place. Hey, what about Austin? That would work well for those in Mexico. I hear there's neat things to do around there, but we (esp. Aunt Jan) might all melt doing it.
It would be difficult, but I might be able to work out August for the reunion. I might try to fish in Alaska again this summer, so maybe I could fit it in after that. My decision about AK will not be made until after I return from Israel though.
Aunt Jam - Sat Jan 15 15:52:44 2005
From phone calls I made Fri, Jan. 14 and Sat, Jan. 15:
Barbara Turenne: [Wonderful hour-long visit!!]
1st OR 2nd week of Aug. OK. - She & girls would like to come - depends on location. They are 9 hrs. north of CAN/MT border in central Sask. David may be out from Maryland to see them this summer - might coincide with reunion.
Julie Mendenhall: any/all of them would like to be at reunion. She may post to this forum any info she might have re: W. Colo. camps, etc. Middle of second week of Aug. she needs to be ready for school.
Elizabeth Mendenhall: They, also are quite interested. 1st week of Aug. is better. Could make it to CO or WA but probably not Mex.
Robert Weathers: He's free either 1st or 2nd wk of Aug. - not sure about Judy. Locations ok. 'Invitation' was emailed to Webers & he will call Barbara.
Jolene Gregory: Any week past mid-summer is ok.
John & Tara Gregory: Ditto - at this time. [Job situation tentative.]
Recollection is that Flavio & Rachel (Gregory) Quintana can be flexible about the time & location, too.
Lois (Weathers) Morgan: She'll do her own posting, it seems the early Aug time frame is acceptable.
{Looking forward to what you have to say, Mark, about time & venue, too.}
jan
Aunt Sue - Sat Jan 15 14:24:48 2005
Thanks for putting this web-site up Matthew!
I'm with Andy, for doing this in July, especially if everyone did want to come up this way. Ususally anytime after the 15th of July is our "hot weather" time, but you always have to plan that this is the mountains, and we can be quite cool at nites.
I am going to check with some friends about doing it at a camp near here, with access at the Pend Orielle River for canoeing, or whatever. Do we need a full week? That might get spendy price wise. Also, there are some here that could do all the cooking etc, so family could really visit, and not deal with meal prep/cleanup etc.
Let us know soon. Time is drawing short for this type planning!
Love to all, Aunt Sue
Mark Weathers - Sat Jan 15 13:29:42 2005
Hi, anyone looking at this. Esther and I are in Calif for 10 days, staying at her brother Phil's: (626) 359-6816 (until Jan 25th-- then we'll be back in Tucson at least a week.)
We're pretty busy this weekend, but early next week we'll email Jan and some others about ideas. We came thru Ixmiquilpan last week, and the adminstrator there says we probably could stay there. All long term members are out, and it's up for sale, but no prospect of it moving very fast.
More later -- Mark
Matthew Weathers - Fri Jan 14 22:15:48 2005
The best time for me for a reunion would be between May 30 and Aug 20, 2005. It could be anywhere as far as I'm concerned. I also have the week of March 13-19 off. Christmas/NewYears 2005/6 would be okay for me, too.
Also: we have all been invited to a reunion with Aunt Pansy's side of the family (Clinkenbeard) in Florence, Colorado, June 18, 2005. Contact Linda Bethurem for more information.
Andy Weathers(from an email) - Fri Jan 14 22:19:39 2005
Just wanted to check in on the plans for the family reunion. If we have it this summer then it will coincide with David and Lisa's and our return to the US. We'll be here in Togo till the end of June and fly back the first week of July at earliest. That's why for the family reunion I suggested July 15 or after, into August in an earlier email.
Can we go ahead and choose dates so as many people as possible can go ahead and make plans? - even if the details are not set yet. I don't know about the rest of the cousins, but we usually try to get tickets 6 months ahead of time to get the discounts (for international flights).
David and Lisa B.(from an email) - Fri Jan 14 22:22:27 2005
We're still planning to come to the States in the summer (warm weather only, please). That will be Naomi and Josiah's summer vacation from school. We'd like to have the Weather's reunion, Doretha's wedding and some partnership connection.
Mark and Esther (from an email) - Fri Jan 14 22:39:57 2005
(From a December 21 email)
We haven't done much thinking about a reunion. As far as a place in Mexico, we've thought of Ixmi center, but it is up for sale, so nothing sure about it. We would have to fix our own meals, or go out to local restaurants. There are a couple of nice hot springs parks near there--really fixed up nice. Tuggy's told us of a beach resort. But I don't know if Jan could take the humidity and heat of the coast.
Aunt Jan (from an email) - Fri Jan 14 22:33:58 2005
(From email, December 2004)
Well, here's what I've heard from various sources: Dale Weathers' would like to go to Mex. It doesn't seem like the dates matter all that much now that Dale has finished his course work. [Yeah!!] Experience tells me nothing --but NOTHING will take priority over their yearly Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend Shield of Faith Conferences.
Some Morgans say none of them will travel to Mex. -- others that some of them would like to go to a reunion in WA state. [Also a good idea say the D. Weathers, of-course]
I personally have heard no word from any Raleys.
Keith Mendenhall family and Bob & Judy Weathers would like to go to Mex. during any school break.
Jolene is extricating from Campus Crusade to leave for Xalapa circa Dec. 17 to teach English in a private school temporarily {several months?}.
A quote from Michael G.: "It figures: just when Kathleen & I might be leaving for 2 years in Europe (UK or Germany) -- THAT's when a family reunion in this hemisphere finally works out."
They still don't know for sure.
John Gregorys: "What about seeing if Morgans, etc. are willing to drive to the border & we can charter a bus?" As you suggested for 1998, Mark?
Some have contemplated a 'split or smorgasbord' reunion: stateside and/or Mex.
Personally, I find our family reunions valuable enuf to labor & sacrifice greatly for.