10th Annual Mechem Reunion

We gather once a year, for 10 years now, to celebrate the blessings of family. And for the Mechems, our coming together always includes lots of food and laughter.

Bob's Aunt Shirley (all the way from Minnesota), sneaking up on Owen.
Love that she was in this year; no one makes me laugh more!

Pap and some hairy dude

Shirley, our hostess and Bob's cousin Sherri,
and Aunt Nancy (Sherri's mom if you couldn't tell)

Aunt Arlene (who kicked cancer's butt this past year!), Pap,
and my handsome hubby!

Cousins John, Mark and Minnesota Dwayne

Pups patiently waiting. Owen shared.

The Mechems owned a service station in West Virginia long ago.
Love this antique.

What a beautiful gathering spot

Cearra, cousin Elaine, and some of the yummy spread

Cousin Judi (another Minnesota resident) and cousin Clint

Clint's dad Dave and Clint's special friend Michelle.
She made it through the whole day with a smile!

I have a picture just like this from last year.
He loves the Kubota and the dog!

We have an auction to raise funds for the next year's gathering; we also donate a portion to charity. This year we decided to give to Salem Children's Trust, an amazing home for kids in need. My brother-in-law Todd is Executive Director at Salem, and he and his staff provide wonderful love, guidance, schooling and support to their students.

It's always a rollicking affair. Each family brings an item to be auctioned off. It can be something nice, or something goofy. For a few years, one ugly, fake alligator chartreuse men's shoe got wrapped up prettily and auctioned off to an unsuspecting victim!

Owen loves the auction and would bid on everything if I didn't sit across from him and give him the "cut it off" sign when needed. This year he got himself a Ravens hat (and a Steelers hat which he promptly gave to Uncle Todd), and a bug zapper.

I also had him bid for me on a package I had a tip on that held a piece from Granny Mechem's milk glass collection; after winning her candy dish a few years ago I started keeping an eye out for pieces and was thrilled to add a pretty vase this year.

The last item in the auction is a chance to pick a box in a "Let's Make a Deal" scenario. Cearra was happy with her lucky selection of box #2 and a neat mason jar beverage dispenser. Judi was just as happy (?) with her box - a plastic lei, hula skirt and coconut shell bra.

So thankful we could all once again gather for a great time!