The Mechem Family Reunion - A Very Happy Place

Third weekend of June - time for the Mechem Family Reunion! Once again hosted by Mark and Sherri at their gorgeous home, it was a wonderful day. I sure am lucky to have such a warm, welcoming, and slightly wacky ('cause normal is no fun!) "second" family. I didn't get pics of everyone, but I think I got some good ones ...

This is Owen's new favorite pose. The driver of El Toro Loco (that's a monster truck) gets out and lays on the hood of his vehicle like this after he finishes a freestyle event. Yep, Owen is wacky too!

Pap has had recent health issues, and we are thankful he got to join us and for being able to spend time with him.

Ah, a mother's love ... Sherri and her oldest Taylor (a proud Penn Stater!).

Gathered around the buffet, where we spend most of our time! L to r: Uncle Darb, Pap, Owen, Vicki and her husband Dave, Kathy and her husband Will - in from Minnesota - and sneaking around in the background, Bob.

Aunt Arlene and Aunt Nancy

Getting ready to take Owen for a ride and to feed the cows and chickens. Hands down Owen's favorite things to do at the farm!

"Come on over cows!"

Boots the chicken

Owen attempting to answer that age old question - "why'd the chicken cross the road?"

He cannot wait until he can drive one himself. Kept pointing out to me that he could reach the peddles!

Every year we have an auction. Each family brings one or two items, usually wrapped, to be auctioned off. Our auctioneer John is always hilarious, and the bidding gets pretty competitive! There are some traditional items, like filled cookies made using Granny's recipe, and then there are items that are not quite as sweet.

Like the lovely lizard shoes! Congrats to this year's winner, Kathy!

Cearra and Dennis snatched up some lollipops - one for Allegany High School where Bob, Todd, and half the family went; and one for Fort Hill, where Dennis and the other half of the family went.

Thinking that perhaps he was now on "Storage Wars", Owen really enjoyed himself at the auction, winning several of the items and making everyone laugh.

Captain America goes for a ride - such a peaceful, beautiful place.

My amazing kids - C and O! The dog was dropped off by someone at Mark and Sherri's on Wednesday with no collar, note, etc. They gave her a bath, a bandanna and a new name - Muffin. She is the cutest, friendliest little thing, and you can just tell she knows she has landed in a very happy place.