A few years ago, the Temple Firefighter's Association purchased an office building downtown. They use it for association gatherings (meetings, parties, storage, etc.) and allow family member to reserve it. I never thought that purchase would be such a plus for our family. Little did I know, it would turn out to be the perfect party place.
Our family hasn't been able to gather together since the COVID-19 pandemic began. We did attend Scott and Molly's wedding; but, masks were worn, we were socially distanced to the point where hugs and kisses weren't even considered. Now that all family members old enough to be vaccinated have that added level of protection, we felt confident about getting together again.
With Leslie's family driving in from the Ft. Worth area, Ryan's family coming up from Leander, Rebecca's family driving in from Gatesville, and Scott and Molly coming over from Killeen, Temple is kinda sorta mid-way. But, the condo is way too small to host any parties! We decided to reserve the Union Hall and meet there.
Things were kept simple: catered soups, salads, and bread sticks from Olive Garden, snacks, cake, pie, ice cream kept everyone fed. Each family brought a game or activity to keep us entertained. The Union Hall has a foosball table, pool table, basketball game, dart board, and tons of extra room for the grands to have their own space. The adults were able to sit around and chat; something we haven't done in such a long time!!
Our gathering was simply wonderful! I think we will be using the Union Hall for most family gatherings from now on. The pictures below are captioned to record what was going on.
Scott being his typical goof ball self.
Chowing down on soup and salad.
So much room and yet cozy enough that we could all share in the conversations.
The kids playing foosball. I don't even know if that's the right term or how it is spelled; but who cares!?!
Scott still being a goof ball. Poor Molly.
What a great picture, Becca!
Gwen and Ron
Leslie and Ryan
More foosball for Sophie, Samantha, and Sophia.
Team Maggie won!
"Can you really tell the difference in colas" challenge.
Cola taste testing.
Is it Coke, Pepsi, HEB cola, or RC!
Honestly, the only thing they could tell was which one was the HEB version.
Evidently, it doesn't taste as good.
Sophie and Samantha
Becca
G and Molly
clockwise from the bottom: Sophie, Samantha, Scott, Becca, John, Leslie, and John's daughter.
Thanks to Aunt Jamie, a game of ax throwing.
We had some wild throws thanks to Sophia!
I can't remember the name of this game! A movie game that included quotes, phrases, one word clues, acting it out, and other methods to guess the names of films.
A super funny game of Meme's. It was a little PG-13 rated at times.
A cruise-like "Newly Wed Game" planned by Jamie.
Party Mimi and her Party Thor shirt.
Texas sheet cake... yum!
Ryan and Jamie
Samantha trying out the basketball game.
Ryan and Sophia
Samantha and Boomer
Molly and Gwen
Simply the BEST birthday celebration EVER! But, not, I'm not finished yet. Here are some pictures taken during our non-professional photo shoot.
We had Scott and Jamie bring their cameras and took photo's at the church next door to the Union Hall. Considering the fact that we didn't have a professional photographer, I think they turned out fantastic. Well, most of them did. Some are just hysterical!
The entire crew!!! It made this mother's heart so happy!!
Leslie's family
Gerson, Sophie, Maggie and Leslie
Ron, Gwen, and Boomer
Rebecca and Seth
John and Rebecca
Ryan's Family
Ryan, Jamie, Samantha, and Sophia
Scott and Molly
Our kids: Scott, Rebecca, Leslie, and Ryan
The Grandkids: Mimi, Seth, Sophie, Poppy, Maggie, Samantha, and Sophia
These just made me chuckle....
No one could possibly have such a crazy, loud, fun-loving, supportive, and dedicated family. Love them all bunches!!
