Shettler reunion

Braden (and Billy!) got to meet some extended family members this weekend at the Shettler family reunion.  The "Shettlers" are my dad's mom's (my grandma Elsie's) family.  We see my cousins/aunts/uncles quite a bit because we all live in the area (although my dad's parents have both passed away), but don't get to see my dad's cousins and their families as often - so it was fun to reconnect.

This is our "branch" of the Shettler family (my grandma's kids/grandkids/great grandkids) - at this point we were still missing Billy (we can't wait till he doesn't have to work weekends!) and are also missing my cousin Lance, Chloe, and their kids - Ben and Ellie.  

We spend Saturday on the Coe College campus, getting reacquainted, taking group/family photos as per reunion tradition . . .

 . . . enjoying the sunny day (2nd cousins Madi, Norah, and Braden) . . .

 . . . playing games - here Allie and I are battling against Aubree and Dennis in a game of Bags - we also had a bocce tournament and a lively game of whiffle ball. :) . . .

 . . . and just relaxing and visiting with one another.

Braden is very close to standing on his own, and likes to "walk" holding onto a helping hand.

Other traditional Shettler reunion events include a watermelon seed spitting competition . . .

. . . and the main event - the 18 foot banana split!  YUM-O!

Everyone grab a spoon . . .

 . . . and dig in! (don't worry about germs - we're all family! . . . although some participants like to designate their own personal portion into which no one else's spoon shall invade).

Although this picture doesn't show it well, B loved this activity, and was very upset when we cut him off after a few delicious bites.