It was time to catch up with siblings and their families on my H's side -
something we did a lot more when mom and dad were still with us.
The lakehouse, which my side of the family has been happy to share,
seems to be the best place to meet -
seems to be the best place to meet -
and when it comes to hosting anything there, we have it down to a system.
After sending out the invitation and organizing the meal,
most of the hard work is done for me.
Setting up the tables, arranging flowers
and seeing it all come together is just fun.
His work involves mowing the lawns, cleaning up the yard
hanging swings and hammocks and setting up chairs.
It's like a little quiet buzz, while just the two of us work.
I love it because it involves a lot of happy anticipation.
Soon enough the carloads arrive.
Happy greetings
smiles
sister-in-laws and cousins come together.
It doesn't matter who is family and who is married in
but those who share childhood memories do have something unique.
Rosemary (second from the right) came with Jeff and their five daughters from Prince George.
Some of the guys just got on with the show and immediately started a game of bocce ball.
Some watched, others chatted.
The dock that has stairs leading down to the lake
(and a steep slide too)
became a good place for a game of Jackpot.
while young ones enjoyed the hammocks and swings.
Hannah loved helping with the little ones!
We set up the buffet that everyone brought together.
Everyone loaded their plates.
and in the end there was hardly a bite left of anything.
This Mennonite girl would have liked to see a bit more left
just to be sure!
Oh . . . and of course there will always be someone to make it a bit more memorable.
These girls enjoyed the show.
and one more here . . . I think it was a worm.
What can I say?
It was wonderful to see everyone catch up with each other
and marvel at how the family has grown.
A poster of the family tree set up by the door
was a great conversation piece.
There are just over 150 people listed in this family tree
(some have passed on and some names were filled in after I took the picture)
A few interesting facts for the fam:
9 children born to Jakob and Maria (1 more, stillborn) 1938- 1956
27 grandchildren (two more died at infancy) 1961 - 1988
62 great-grandchildren and counting 1986 - 2016
7 great-great-grandchildren and counting 2012 -
A few interesting facts for the fam:
9 children born to Jakob and Maria (1 more, stillborn) 1938- 1956
27 grandchildren (two more died at infancy) 1961 - 1988
62 great-grandchildren and counting 1986 - 2016
7 great-great-grandchildren and counting 2012 -
While only about half of us could be here this weekend,
we had a way to remember everyone who was not.
I believe my H's dad, Jakob Friesen,
if he were still with us today, would say,
"These are the children God has graciously given your servant."
Genesis 33:5
10 comments:
What an awesome reunion! Your table looked lovely and your photos are evidence of a terrific time had by all. Thanks for sharing, Anneliese!
Yes, I'm sure those would have been Jakob's words...and he would have been delighted to see what has become of his family. That is special...to have so many from one family together!
You know how to host the best get-togethers and have a wonderful venue to do that.
Wow, that is a huge gathering! Nice that so many could be there. And your flower arrangements were beautiful!
Keeping a large extended family connected takes a considerable amount of planning and effort and you have done such a great job of nurturing those family ties! Love that family tree poster too.
What an amazing heritage!
This is SO beautiful, Aunt Lisa!! I came to your blog today, hoping to see some pictures of the family gathering and I was not disappointed :) You captured the joy and beauty of the day perfectly. The flower arrangements on the tables are stunning and the spread of food is a Mennonites girl's dream. Love how you captured the embracing, visiting and playing. I could almost hear the loud hum of the chatter and laughter that would accompany each photo. Hatzic Lake is some of my best childhood memories of Friesen family gatherings. I hope this tradition continues and that we'll still have many more gatherings there as the Friesen family continues to grow. Such a beautiful heritage of Oma and Opa. I look forward to coming to the next one!! Miss you all.
Much Love from,
Bonnie
We missed you, Bonnie and Owen. Thought about how this was were we set up for your wedding...
and what a beautiful day that was! Too bad you could not come this time.
To top off everything else, the weather was just lovely after a stormy Friday and Saturday morning. We were so thankful that we made the trip from Penticton to be their and see everyone. Wow, some of those kids have grown up, we just simply forgot that they too get bigger and better. Thank you Herb & Lisa for hosting us all, we really appreciate you for all the hard work you put into this "Friesen Fest!"
Love, Mary & John
This happening certainly would have sold more magazines, if it would have been the featured story! So special! So beautifully done and shared! I am sure Jakob and his wife never would have been able to fathom, what ALL God has in store for their lives and the their future. Reminds me of the Ephesians 3:20 verse in the Bible:), and the story is not over yet. What a lovely way to share in the gift of your earthly heritage!
This is amazing...from the pictures of family enjoying one another, to the tables set and ready, all that food, and the family tree! That just tops it off!!! Totally amazing!! and the day turned out so well. :-)
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