We went to a reunion of sorts last Saturday. I grew up in this area and our family had a sailboat. From the age of 7 until I was around 16 or so- I spent all my spare time on the water or involved in the yacht club in some way. We are blessed to have some islands off our coast and every holiday was spent on the boat at the islands.
My parents had a large, core group of friends- most all from the same club. Many raced their boats as well as cruised. Those folks partied too! The 80's were a fun time. This group of friends has drifted in part over the years, some leaving sailing and boating entirely. Several are member of the yacht club that we joined. This was a large reason for choosing this particular club.
A few months ago when my parents were out and we were at the club, they told Big Lar that he should have a fall BBQ at his home. He has a lovely little home in a nearby small town, and his landscaping is beautiful. (He is a landscaper by trade and his yard is all native CA low water plants). The idea took and it was decided that it would be "the old crowd".
We had to go to a family party in LA in the morning, then we headed over to Big Lar's. My parents and sister came to town for the event. We got there around 1:45 and stayed until 6pm. It was a great afternoon of socializing, eating and remembering old times. LD brought a photo album that spanned the decade and that was sure fun to laugh at!
Mine were the only children. Big Lar has no kids/grandkids so his house had nothing but the yard for them to play in. They had a few pieces of candy and a couple of trinket toys from their goody bags that they got form the party. They played non stop- happily- without fussing or fighting- the entire time. They were polite and respectful and a real joy to have there. One friend gave them the greatest compliment. She said to me "Your kids are so nice Michelle. You know sometimes you go somewhere and there is just one kid, and after a half hour you are ready to throttle the kid, and here you have four kids and you'd have hardly known they were even here. They are just so pleasant!" Wow! That sure feels good! Even my Olivia was happily playing, only coming to me periodically.
Yes my poor, unsocialized, kids. How will they ever learn to adapt to "the real world"?
Oh and now, it has been decided that this will be an annual event... how cool!