I have taken the privilege of posting this from all the emails that have come in on the subject as of this day, June 11, 2009. I am starting from the first one and going down in the order it was answered.

From Anna:

There was a great turnout for the reunion and it was wonderful seeing everybody!  Aunt Kathy and I were talking about it today and she said, I wish we had taken group pictures of every family.    All of us probably have some suggestion on what would make the reunion even nicer, so let's all add our suggestions and put them in a folder (at each computer) for the next reunion.  Maybe we could do it on facebook or just through these emails, or at cousinsclub.com.  But, now is the time to make notes on how to make it better and more memorable next time.

So, here goes:

1.  Take family group pictures as well as one great big gathering picture

2.  Have each family introduce new family members since the last reunion.

3.  How often should we plan them?

4.  Did you agree or disagree that the pavilion was a perfect place?  We can reserve           it very early for the next one.  (We had this one reserved for two years.)

5.   What is the very best time of year to do it?

Please add your suggestions to the list and send to everyone.

BTW, I got out the cookbook from the last one and it was on August 5,2006.

From Angela: 

In general, just fewer organized activities so people don't find themselves spending time during the reunion planning and preparing.  It's nice to have everyone meet for dinner and lunch, and to have time for people to do things in front of the microphone, but otherwise I think it's okay to enjoy visiting and doing things with each other spontaneously. 

Everyone enjoys the beach at Rockport, it offers varied activity options, and allows for an escape route for less interested yet well-meaning in-laws, and even family members, to retreat from the crowd when overwhelmed by the sheer fabulousness of us all.  But it sure is dirty.

Every other year is probably good since most of us live in Rockport or visit fairly often.  And the other ones don't show up anyway.

Was there a group photo?  I missed that if so.  Of course there should be.

I had a great time at the reunion and thank you for all your hard work.  It really was fun.  I just wish I had time to talk with everyone - next time I'll get there earlier.
Angela

From Aaron:
My thoughts:

Pavilion was better than Kon-Tiki, but could we perhaps look at doing something at the HEB retreat on Live Oak Point? Stephanie Reed would be the point of contact on that. Or Goose Island? Or maybe that conference center back on the airport road? I think it would be nice to be able to sit around a campfire, or a poker table, or in a storytelling circle.

What about doing it on a holiday weekend? The last weekend of June, a week before a major holiday, was a little bit awkward.

Thanksgiving? The weather is usually quite lovely in Rockport that time of year and maybe we could stretch the reunion over two days. Plus, most everyone is cooking already anyhow.

Can we somehow get some or all of Junior's family to the next one? 

Love to all,

Aaron. 

From Angela: I agree, Goose Island or HEB retreat would be nice, for something a little more centralized and private, but still with plenty to do.

From Ray:
I don't know what else there is to do at Goose Island ... besides swat mosquitoes and fish. There's no beach to swim, no sand to play. And the mosquitoes are always bad.  I haven't been to the HEB retreat. Is there a website?

From Aaron:

Okay, here's a heterodox thought: we could always do it somewhere else, like one of the Hill Country state parks, or Foxfire Cabins near Lost Maples SNA, or Big Bend Ranch SP or on three big houseboats in Lake Travis. Just a thought.  Not that I don't like Rockport and all ....

From Patty:

What about every three years.  Just like this past reunion.  That gives us 2012.    I really loved the Thanksgiving reunions we did in the early 90s.  It w I believe there was one official and one just turned into a whole lot of people.  I may even have a picture from one of them  with a whole lot of us older cousins gathered 'round grandmother.   I don't think the Goose Island venue is big enough for us now though.   Stretching it out over more than one day would be nice, and I think we sort of did that with Uncle Dicks birthday festivities, like a night time official mixer and then "The Day".

Ray, I think the place out by the airport is a children's camp again.

From Judy:

So, here goes:

1.  Take family group pictures as well as one great big gathering picture

Yes. 

2.  Have each family introduce new family members since the last reunion.

There should be some way to do this.

I sense we could do more to create an atmosphere of incorporation, relationship, and inter-action.  Definitely introducing to family members, or even old ones.  We don't see each other very often.    The Family Trivia Game is an excellent idea, but we should be working on it NOW.  Activities planned to draw people into conversation or at least direct facial eye contact.  I heard a fellow employee saying they usually play "Price is Right" at their family reunion.  I thought that sounded a lot of fun! 

3.  How often should we plan them?

3 years sounded good.  I like the Thanksgiving Weekend Reunion idea.  Most people have at least part of that time off.  It's already a natural time for families to be together.  And, starting 3 years in advance, if "the other side" of the couples' families need to have their holidays fitted in, there is time to plan for that, if we start planning now.

4.  Did you agree or disagree that the pavilion was a perfect place?  We can reserve           it very early for the next one.  (We had this one reserved for two years.) 

I don't like to say the pavillion was NOT the perfect place, because if it had not been reserved by caring family members, it wouldn't have happened at all.  So for the times we've done it, it was perfect. 

 In the future, my preference would not be the beach.  It is sandy.  It is hot.  It is up stairs.  Out of neccesity we all sit and face the stage area or food area, and that's not conducive to inter-relating.  If the reuinion weekend is over 2-3 days, we could plan a beach gathering during that time.

In response to Aaron's idea of another place, the Presbyterians have a great facility in Kerrville, or nearby, scheeze, the name escapes right now, but all the rest of you will remember.  Big meeting lodge, lots of apartments and dorms.  River, activities and places to roam.  MO Ranch?

5.   What is the very best time of year to do it?

My other suggestions would be:

Committees formed this year for Games, activities, food, souviners etc.  One person at least from each family should be on at least one committee.  Planning should start now, so by the year before, we will all know the exact date, place and money.  A couple of people to hold position of co-treasurers.

More family history.  A short worship/devotion to honor the One Who Brings Us Through, and those who have gone on to the next Reunion.

For me, I like the Thanksgiving weekend idea.  I am absolutely positive not everyone will like that.

Well, that's all for now.  ......Judy

From Anna:

Great suggestions, Judy.   All interested parties for committees, please step up and claim your seat!

From Judy:

The conference centers in Aransas counties that others have mentioned are o.k. to check, too.  What about Goose Island, HEB, the Copano Cove retreat, The Lighthouse Inn, Fulton, Paws and Taws......

From Teresa, July 11:

1.  Take family group pictures as well as one great big gathering picture  Yes, I was very disappointed to realize I didn't have any of my family together - once I got home. And I love the large one of the whole family taken at the one before. It is a lovely testament to our whole family.

2.  Have each family introduce new family members since the last reunion. Think this is also a good idea, I know, for instance, I had no idea who Scott and his girlfriend were!!! (they were obviously together, I thought I should have known one of them!!) Patty filled me in. Thanks Pattycakes.

3.  How often should we plan them? I think that 3 years is nice, 5 is a little too far apart. I'm not sure that 2 is too soon, but am willing to give it a go.

4.  Did you agree or disagree that the pavilion was a perfect place?  We can reserve it very early for the next one.  (We had this one reserved for two years.) Like Judy, I don't want to say that it wasn't perfect... but I think that we've outgrown it. There wasn't enough room for everyone to be inside comfortably, it was unbearably hot outside, and it is messy. One bathroom for that many people can get rough! There were quite a few good suggestions made, Making a choice and getting it booked should be done by one of those committees 

5.   What is the very best time of year to do it?  I'd love to have the next one at Thanksgiving. But don't think we need to lock ourselves into one specific time of the year for all of them.

I enjoyed this last reunion. But - I worked too hard, (and was way too tired), and so did a lot of the rest of you. I didn't get to visit, hardly got to speak to quite a few of you. I think that we need to look at two or three days, and have meals catered. Snacks, sitting around, going off together, small groupings, getting to visit all those relatives we're there to celebrate, that's what we need to do. I don't feel like that really happened (at least for me personally) this time around.

As to where, well, I'm partial to Rockport, it is our home port, and I do have a sense of homecoming, even tho I never really lived there. It restoreth my soul. :o)
But I'd still be there if we have it elsewhere.

I think that the suggestions Judy had are all excellent. I think that we should get the committees formed and get to work. Stared now, and shared out, it isn't that hard.

And also like Judy, I'm sure not all of us will agree. ;P

Love ya,
Teresa

From Kathryne:

I've enjoyd all of these suggestions and they are good.  The

only places that I can think of that are bigger are the pavillion that is at the  south end of the beach and the Paws & Taws

bldg in Fulton.  I do not know there rental prices but P & T

is booked very far in advance.

I think it would be a good idea to have a questionaire that

each heads of household could print out, fill out and then mail

 in to the committee so that we could have a really good

idea of what is wanted.

Of course, I don't want to do the form but I thought Judy Reed

or Janine might do that or Ray or Judy Torres, Eileen, just

whoever could and would.

Teresa, your hard work was very much appreciated and thank

you to every one who delved in and there were many in that

generation.   Thank you, thank you.  Love, AK

Meats:

Turkey  -  Ruth will cook two

Ham - Kathryne

Brisket - Anna

Hot dogs - Janine

Hot dishes:

Corn casserole - Paula

Macaroni and cheese - Kim

Pinto beans - Kathryne

Salads and cold dishes:

Potato salad - Janine & Ruth

Cole slaw - Patty

Greek salad - Aimee

Marinated veggie salad - Janine

Pasta salad - Michelle

Deviled eggs - Stephanie & Janine

Veggie snack plate - Kathryne

Watermelon - Judy

Mustard, Mayo, Ketchup, sweet relish for hot dogs, & -Coffee, and coffee fixing - Vic & Judy

hot dog buns for dinner - Jay & Melissa

Desserts:

Trifle thingy - Patty

Cookies - Paula & Eileen

Cobbler of an undetermined fruit (prob'ly peach 'coz that's what Mama wants) - Teresa

I've decided to do cupcakes that can be decorated as fun and crafty for the kids -Teresa

Desserts to be determined between now and then - Janine, Ruth, Aimee, Kathy, Kim

Breakfast:

Waffles - Edith

Fruit tray - Aaron

WE NEED:    

Bread n' butter to accompany the meal

1. Mike & Teresa Thibodeaux                         2
   
2. Ray, Christie, Jordan & Brooke Hoese         4
   
3. Ruth & Dick Hoese                                    2  
   
4. Alan & Patty, Emily & Andy Albin               4
   
5. Joe & Anna Herring                                    2
   
6. Eileen Mode                                              1
   
7. Vic & Judy Torres                                      2
   
8. Parrish & Michelle & Baker Ingram              3
   
9.  Bob & Judy Reed                                      2 
   
10. John & Stephanie & Christopher Reed          3
    
11. Aaron & Patrick Reed                                 2
    
12. Angela Reed & Ian Reddy                           2
    
13. Britton & Kim and their 3 girls Stacy            5
    
14. Elmer Joe & NeNe Stacy                            2
15. Geoff & Aimee B. Hoese                             2
16. Eric & Kelly Scherrer                                  2
17. Bej, Kenny & Synthia Svatek                       3
18. Bob & Kathy Albin                                      2
19. Paula & Marty Reynolds & assorted kids      4/5
20. Linda & John, Justin & Katie Scherrer                4

21. Samantha & Brandon, Annabelle & Jahanna Starett       4

22. Bobby & Kathryn & Erin Albin, maybe Joey & Alaina     3/5

23. Stacy & Matt & Thomas Chavez                                   3

24. Jay & Melissa, Ellen, Madison & Patience Stacy           5

25. Kristin & Alan, & boys McClellan                    4
26. Edith Sorenson Herring & Charles Dove          2