Family Mellmann

On Saturday, the whole family (everyone who was available) gathered at the local Chinese restaurant for a celebration dinner in honor of Al and Diana's anniversary. After the meal we gathered at the home of Denise and Greg for a little dessert and more stories, updates, and laughter. Sharon and Charles, and Larry Denise and her older son Pam, Diana, Russana, Russana's daughter Lauren Lauren's son, Lauren, Denise's younger son, husband and dog, and older son And it wouldn't be a family reunion without some family pictures.  I didn't get everyone but I got most. The Perrys The Hudsons The siblings and their spouses  Happy Anniversary Al and Diana!

Friday was relaxed and full of laughter, stories, and conversation.  In the afternoon, my cousin Denise came over and we had a lovely time of catching up.  The last time we saw each other was 25 years ago at her wedding.  So much has happened since then! In the evening, we went to a local ministry where they give a gospel concert (and if you know the words, it's also a sing-along).  It was a relaxed evening of old time gospel music which is broadcast on local access television and the radio.  

On our first full day in Oklahoma we enjoyed a drive to Al and Diana's 80-acre property where they enjoy spending their summers.  It is also a beautiful place to spend a spring afternoon. Pam sets off the blooming red buds nicely. :) Diana tells us all the stories about the condition of the property when they first bought it more than ten years ago. The pond was named in honor of Grandpa Widaman (my dad's father). They built this lovely gazebo for shaded gatherings. Charles (my dad), Diana (his sister), Al (her husband), and Sharon (stepmom) Pam (my stepsister), Sharon, Charles, and Yours Truly Sharon, Charles, Diana, and Al They have a tradition here that all visitors get to sign a post on the gazebo.  So that's what we did. In the evening, we gathered at a local restaurant and met with Dad and Diana's cousin Sharon (5th in line) and her husband Jimmy.  

Waiting for our flight to board.  Salt Lake City to Tulsa.  

Dad and Sharon in Brigham City Utah taking a stroll around the pond.  We’re in town for a follow up cardiologist appointment, but first a trip to Oklahoma.  

This year has brought several changes and will continue to mean changes to our routines, habits, and traditions.  For Thanksgiving, Joerg and I drove to Michigan to celebrate with family.  Katherine, who had to work the days leading up to Thanksgiving, stayed in Montana to celebrate with the Montana family.  Patrick celebrated in Arizona.  This is the most spread out we have been for any holiday since this branch of the Mellmann family was formed. Joerg and I left for Michigan on Monday morning.  A little snow and some low clouds resulted in slightly treacherous roads between Livingston and just southeast of Billings.  The slower drive allowed me some time to capture a few pictures including one of the sun rising through the cloud just behind the mountains. On our journey back to Livingston on Friday we encountered a Festival of Lights parade in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where we had dinner and spent the night. It was was a nice little road trip and a wonde...

I had an opportunity to take a little road trip to Utah; it was one of those two-birds-one-stone deals except I had three birds.  I could help my folks, give Joerg a little space, and spend time with my sister and her family all in one trip. Anyway, while we were there we had a chance to take in some local community life.  The community jazz band entertained local residents who were in the park to enjoy the many food truck dining options.  Dinner and a show, you can't beat that. We also got to experience true ripe peaches for the first time in a very long time (decades maybe).  Just a couple days before we arrived, Ogden Utah celebrated their Peach Days which means we arrived right when the peaches were at peak readiness and could be found at almost every roadside produce stand.  My nephew, who likes to cook and bake, made a Peach Pie and a Peach Cobbler for us to enjoy...and enjoy we did.  I enjoyed those peaches so much that as we drove out of town on our...