The Raymond Reunion for 2009 took place in the Bushnell, IL area Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14. The theme of the reunion was "Family Treasures."
Saturday, the festivities began with a noon potluck at the VFW Hall in Bushnell. Relatives gathered and got reacquainted while loading up tables with covered dishes. Marty arrived with two surprises--his brothers Bruce and Chuck! Bruce had traveled from Hawaii and Chuck from California to attend the reunion, at Marty's urging. (Marty is our chief reunion promoter!)
It didn't take long before the stories were flying fast and furious, and laughter could be heard throughout the building. Family photos were taken, and a business meeting were held, complete with President Nancy checking in via speakerphone. There were two raffles, a 50/50 drawing and a "Family Treasures" prize raffle. Linda donated the raffle grand prize--a woven afghan specially made for the reunion. Brittini prepared several tables of crafts for the younger set, and a display table so everyone could view the finished artwork.
Later, some of the family visited Sarah and Jim's new camper at Timberview Lake. On the outside, their camper looked like a horse trailer, but the inside was fitted out with sleeping areas, a bathroom, kitchen and living areas. It even had stucco walls! Marty drove his custom truck, which was an amazing thing to see--Marty, do you have a picture to post here?
Sunday morning, we met again at the Dairy Queen for lunch at eleven. Then, we headed across the street to a shelter-house at the VFW park and divided up into four pirate crews for a Treasure Hunt. Sarah was captain of the Swashbucklers, Nancy was captain of the Scurvy Dawgs and Wenches, Crystal was captain of the Scalawags, and Larry was captain of the Skanky Buccaneers. To warm up and earn the first clue for the Treasure Hunt, each crew had to answer questions taken from Ruby's book and the family cookbook and decipher a code.
The first clue sent the crews to the cemetery where our common ancestor, Simon Martin Raymond, is buried. His mother and several of his children are also buried there. The cemetery is on a hill which overlooks Little Swan Lake. Chuck was impressed by the tranquility of the tree-shaded, peaceful spot. Jack quipped, "Chuck, you could stay, but we don't have a shovel."
The family's next clue directed them to a lovely borrowed cabin on the north shore of the lake. There, the motley pirate crews underwent four challenges to earn the treasure. Crews had to pin the eye-patch on the pirate, toss bean bags into the pirate ship, knock the skanky pirate head off the pike with a sling-shot, and walk the plank with an egg balanced on a spoon. Of course, the egg activity resulted in an impromptu egg battle and several egg shampoos! Eventually, the treasure was discovered--an inflatable gold treasure chest with a message: the real treasure is the memory you've made here with your family. The treasure chest also provided icy cold drinks for adults and kids, and candy and trinkets.
Linda and Dave generously offered rides on their pontoon boat, as did the cabin owners who had graciously allowed our clan to descend on them. The family enjoyed the swimming beach, putting green, and cabin all so much.
The next reunion will be held in 2011. Reunion planners are considering a western location. Watch for updates!
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