During the first few days of August, the entire Schantz clan (minus three, including an expecting cousin and cousin-in-law) was able to get together for the first time in a VERY long time. For those who don't know, the Schantz clan is my mom's side of the family. We have all been very close, and we used to spend every Thanksgiving together at my grandparents' house in Tennessee. This is certainly the reason Thanksgiving is still my favorite holiday! Memories of the annual Turkey Trot (golf tournament, bowling, indoor homemade golf, etc.), flying fried quail, pig roasts, and other antics will live for a long time! This trip was just as wonderful, however, because we were able to get together from all over the US - Oregon, Tennessee, Missouri, Wisconsin, Texas (via Sykpe) - to share a few days in the beautiful Wisconsin Dells. Although the trip and visits were certainly too short, we were able to share many memories and make new ones!
I thought we would start out with one of my favorite photos from the trip - Clay getting over a short pouting session! He got a little mad playing with one cousin, and decided he would sit on the step and pout. It was too cute not to snap a photo! It doesn't happen often, but he can lay it on thick when he wants to...
The Blossom group on the front steps. We spent the last evening at my cousins Beth and Todd Persche's house. It is the most amazing home I think I have seen - full of character and they have done everything on their own. Todd is an extremely talented artist and woodworker, and Beth has started making gorgeous mosaics. Their home is filled with art, atristry and love. The outside is even more magnificent. I don't believe I have a photo, but it is full of wildflowers and wonderful gardens. Thank you, Persche family for opening your home to us!
The entire Schantz clan! There are definitely a lot of us, and I believe it's a pretty good looking group!
Nana and Clay took a few moments to take in the photography craziness...
A HUGE thank you to cousin Malachai, who took Clay and other cousins to visit his farm. He is 17 (or 18?) and is entirely responsible for a small plot of land and a barn; including chickens, goats, guineas, and other animals. He also has some crops. He cleaned and renovated the barn on his own (with a little help from dad), and has obviously put in a tremendous amount of work. He sells his products at weekly farmers' markets near Madison, WI. He milks twice a day, EVERY day, and is likely one of the most responsible teenagers I know. He was quite patient with many cousins running around, and took time to help a couple milk his goats.
As any true farmer knows, when you gotta go, you gotta go....
Another fun stop during the trip was a visit to Deer Park. There are lots of deer and other animals just running around free within this park, and for a very small charge, you can feed them (and pet them). This place is like heaven for a young boy! One of my favorite pictures of the boys - they were both pretty excited.
This picture makes it look like Clay was a little nervous, but in reality, he wanted to feed the horses all evening. He would have given the horses 20 packs of crackers if we let him! He was quite concerned about making sure each of two horses were fed even amounts, too. Such a sweet kid!
One of the many relaxing areas for the deer.
This was the first deer he was able to pet in the park. He loved the soft antlers!
I don't think we got a photo, but Clay really enjoyed putting the crackers in his hat to feed the deer. He would giggle and squeal every time they took a bite! Thanks for a great visit, Deer Park!
Nana and Clay hanging out in the cabin...
We are about to take off on a Duck Boat - it travels on land and water, and we had a nice tour of the Wisconsin River area. Clay even got to drive, although he started to fall asleep at the wheel. About halfway into the trip, he totally fell asleep on my lap. He must have been tired - that never happens anymore! Cousins Alex and Ella seemed to enjoy the ride as well!
Beautiful scenery along the river!
Cheesing with cousins Alex and Ella again!
Cousin Jack is one of Clay's favorites! A big thank you to Uncle Bob for renting a pontoon that the whole family could enjoy throughout the first day. Clay thought he was pretty cool getting to ride next to Jack, his role model!
Pinochle is one of my favorite Schantz family traditions! I started out with the riskiest players in the family as my teammates - Uncles Bob and John! We had a pretty good night though (sorry Mom, Dad and Uncle John). You can see some of the Portland cousins in the background. So glad they were able to come!
Yes, the pictures are out of order. Here is another photo with Clay and cousins Jack and Amalie. Amalie is just a couple months older than Clay, and they really had fun playing together. Sorry, Amalie, but I think you might take second place to cousin Cara. I don't think we have a photo, but Clay became quite smitten with Cara. She is starting her freshmen year in college in Oregon, but Clay has noticed she is quite pretty :) He woke up one morning, ran out of our cabin, and inquired, "Where's my lady?" referring to Cara! He continued his crush all the way home, and he even pretended to call her on the phone in the car. He told Dan and I that we can't live with him anymore because Cara is going to. Oh my! This little boy certainly has a strong flirtatious side!
All in all, we had such a wonderful time! Thank you to all the Schantz group for the best reunion in a long time! We are already looking forward to Denver in 2015. We missed you, Jenny and Dub, and wish the best for you and baby Zoey!
