Sowards Family Reunion 2009

The wait is over! You've probably figured out by the title of the Blog what Jesse and I have planned for the Reunion. What better place to have a survival type theme than in the mountains!

We chose this theme for obvious reasons and thought this Reunion would be a great time to focus our energy on this subject and get a collection of ideas/knowledge from everyone. We're excited to see what is brought to the table.

In case you've forgotten or haven't blocked it onto your calendar the date is July 13th (Monday)- 20th.

Can't wait to see everyone there! I'll be posting changes so please check in from time to time.

Here's what I need from each family...

1) Like last time we will share the responsibilities of cooking. I would like to know what you plan on cooking for both breakfast and dinner so that we don't have the same type foods next to each other.

2) An S.O.S instruction to teach everyone. (This will be by first come, first choose) Anything that you think of that could be beneficial for surviving in our times.

3) Each family will pick out a Tribe Name. You can even make a banner if you like; something that represents your individual family. It doesn't need to be too big.

4) Vote on how we should do the family picture. Does everyone want to wear the same colors as last time or do you want something different. We could even display our tribe name on t-shirts, eh maybe not. Better to plan ahead so that we can be "prepared." :)

5) Bring any fishing poles because Grandpa is taking the big kids fishing. (and anyone else who wants to help catch some fish for dinner!) ha ha.

6) One evening we will have ice cream sundaes so if you have an ice cream maker bring it and let me know what kind of ice cream you plan on making.

7) Ladies if anyone has a quilters frame bring it if you can. Bring a quilt to work on too if you have one.

8) I'm sure everyone's dreading this one, but I thought it would be fun to do as a sort of celebrate a fun week. A VARIETY SHOW! Please everyone have something they can do. It will be in front of the window's in the family room of course and I'm trying to figure out something that will hold curtains. This will be video taped along with the S.O.S teachings. Everyone will get a copy.

I know this is a lot to ask for something that's suppose to be a "vacation," but if you plan ahead it shouldn't be too bad. I think we'll all have a great time and can carry home with us some special memories.

Here's a list of survival ideas...

*How to make a fire (and how to start one with different methods)

*How to make a shelter (and perhaps gear this one towards children)

*How to make a budget

*How to organize your food storage and cook with it

*How to make a first aid kit (all different types)

*How to get together a 72 hour kit

*How to make soap/shampoo out of the basic necessities

*How to filter water

*What are some good resources for food storage

*How to can certain foods

*How to stay spiritually prepared

*How to find your way home if you're lost

*Knowledge of food from local plants in the desert,etc

*First aid or home remedies for colds, headaches, flu, etc

*How to handle a gun

*How to shoot a bow and arrow

*How to make a weapon out of sticks or whatever you have with you to hunt with or to protect yourself

*How to overthrow the government (ha, just thought I'd throw that one in)

These are just ideas. You can do whatever you want and it can be something the kids can be involved with or just adults. Your choice. Good luck and I'm looking forward to hearing back from everyone. I will post the families choices once they come in so check in from time to time.

What a typical day will look like.

Monday

12:00-4ish: Arrive and get settled in.

5:30pm: Eat dinner

6:30pm: Have FHE (provided by Greg & Karen)

Evening: Play volleyball, games, puzzles, quilt,etc.

Midnight: Lights out! Some might not like this, but here's my reason...“Cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated” (D&C 88:124). Midnight is clearly not early, but it's a start for some people! :) ha ha Plus, you'll need your energy to "survive."

Tuesday

8-9am: Family in charge makes breakfast.

10-noon: S.O.S Teaching

LUNCH : Sandwiches, hot dogs,etc

1-5:30: Naps, "Crafting with Grandma," Quilting, Paintball, Hiking, etc

5:30pm: Family in charge makes dinner

Evening: Activities, kids in bath, etc

Midnight: Lights out!

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sat.

Basically the same format, but this is very flexible depending on what S.O.S will be taught.

Sunday

Baby Chase will be blessed. Family pictures will be taken. Family variety show in the evening.

Monday

Pack & Clean up.