We attended the 27th Kemmerer Reunion on July 2nd. We used to meet annually, but as the family has become more spread out, we've started meeting every other year. It had been about six years since I've been able to attend, although we used to rarely miss one, and it was fun for Aaron to finally see what it's all about.
This is my Dad's side of the family, whose grandparents, known affectionately as Mammie and Pappy Kemmerer, were the matriarch and patriarch of this giant brood. 12 children to be exact, including my grandfather, Sam, who we also call Pappy. They lived in a home next to Forks Church, in Stockertown, Pa. where (the elder) Pappy was the caretaker of the grounds. Grandma and Pappy still attend church there, most of the family is buried in the huge cemetery behind it, and so the church grove is the perfect place for this massive family convergence.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Kemmerer function without food, so first things first, we EAT! There is no shortage of food and I'm excited that my cousin is currently putting together a cookbook of family recipes... the likes of which will most definitely include my favorites, Cherylee's Dorito salad and Pappy's rice pudding. Our feasting is followed by a "business" meeting which usually includes family introductions and electing organizers for the next reunion. Will won a teddy bear for being the youngest relative present!
Then come the games. We're a pretty fun-loving bunch! My mom took a video of me running the relay, but I'm oh, so sad to report that it turned out sideways. So, just imagine me looking absolutely ridiculous as I try to haul my pregnant-self to the finish line while sporting flippers on my feet.
A new addition in recent years has been the auction to raise money for the reunion fund. Although, I'm a little unclear on the list of acceptable items... we had everything from homemade beets and cakes to and what looked like items grabbed from someone's yard sale pile. But, the really cool thing was all of these old, black and white family photos. The bidding went pretty high, so it was certainly a success.
Last, but not least, we got to tour the old Kemmerer homestead. It is currently vacant, which it hasn't been during my lifetime, and Pappy is working with a crew to restore it. Such a strange feeling to walk through a home where your grandfather grew up, and to imagine what life was like for his family. It's a charming, beautiful home, but I really can't imagine it full of 14 people!
It was a fun-filled day for all of us, despite the heat. Will enjoyed making friends with my cousin Sara's little dog... and it was just the beginning of our Pennsylvania adventures!
It was a super sweet gathering of ladies who have really only known each other for the past eight months, but have so willingly and generously banded together to support each other. Here are Kelly and me with our 7 mo. and 7 1/2 mo. bellies. If you couldn't tell by all of the pink... we're both having girls!
Abbey prepared a fabulous spread! She's awesomely talented at paper crafts, and she added detailed little touches everywhere that had us ooohhhing and ahhhing all over the place. 
And the food tasted just as good as it looked!
It was fun to open gifts alongside someone else. And we got some really cute stuff...
like these adorable pillowcase dresses...
and these ruffly bottom bloomers! Not to mention, lots of pink! And I'm loving every second of it!
Thanks so much, Abbey, for a wonderful baby shower!
