We arrived home last evening after spending four nights and five days at a wonderful and cherished camp on a little lake in mid Wisconsin where the Berkness clan (Ivan’s mom’s side of the family) has their annual reunion every summer.

We awoke this morning around 8am after sleeping almost 11 hours straight through the night. I think we were tired in more ways than one.

I love going to these reunions. It is the extended family I have longed for most of my young adult life that I had tasted as a kid but it fizzled out over the years. Aunts and uncles, cousins and more cousins, the grandmother hovering above the whole tribe. And now the younger generation is having children and the fourth generation is springing up and having the time of their lives catching toads, swimming in the lake, running wild, getting really dirty, having water balloon fights, and in essence, being kids.

This year, Ivan, Audrey, LoAnn and I were the only Martens’ to attend the reunion. That was a little odd and sad for me, but I still enjoyed being with the rest of the family. I had some wonderful conversations with some of the older cousins whom I enjoy greatly. I learned that Ben is a history buff and is into all natural foods. I rediscovered how lovable David is and realized one day as he was covered in little ones that he is going to make a great dad some day. I processed with Heather about all the anticipatory anxiety one feels when you start nursing school. I bonded with Jessica as we talked about being pregnant together and due very close to one another. I shared with some of the aunts about how hard the last few years have been on me and my little family, as they looked on me with compassion and care. I got lots of hugs, especially from the Phil and Teri gang who are so affectionate.

Audrey loved the canoe rides across the lake (she probably went on 4 different rides and is still talking about it). We played with stickers. I cut out the material/pattern for a dress I have been wanting to make (with LoAnn’s help and coaching). I finished a silly little washcloth for my sister who requested I use baby yarn with purple and pink tones. I conquered a more complicated knitting pattern I am making for Audrey Anne. I watched the first 3 episodes of John Adams (HBO mini series) with Ivan, LoAnn and Ben. I ate delicious pecan pancakes made by Michelene. I set up our room in the basement of the lodge looking out at the glistening lake, and of course I made it feel like a little home with a reading area included. I hit whiffle balls with Audrey. I made sun tea. And most of all I just stared and enjoyed doing not much.

It was another great reunion and I am glad I went.