That wonderful event that happens every three years that is called the Sherman Miller family reunion began on Saturday June 13, 2009.  We were once again at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca near Swisher, IA; this year invading the Alpha lodge at the camp.  We enjoyed a large dining room, small group lounge area, private baths in most of the rooms and the pool was right outside the lodge.  The first of the Miller girls to arrive was Aunt Nita chauffeured by her daughter Angie.  Of course, Kalona is a lot closer than Kansas (right Aunt Barbara). It was fun to see everyone roll in for the weekend and also how much the kids have grown from three years ago; of course, we all know that anyone over the age of 30 does not grow older looking, we just become “seasoned” in life.

After most of the family had settled into their rooms and unpacked their bags, table games and snacks it was time to gather everyone for our first meal together.  Before we enjoyed the labor of our cooks and devoured a meal of pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, chips and a variety of cookies we were briefed by our family historian, Norman about all of the changes that have taken place in the family tree since the last reunion.  After lunch it was time for some family afternoon recreation.  A “few” brave souls, let me emphasize few, attempted a plunge in the icy pool (Saturday unfortunately was rainy and cloudy).  Some read books, some played basketball, ping pong, table games, and foosball.  Others ventured out onto the disc golf course at the camp, some visited and got caught up with family affairs, and two car loads went to a local trap shoot range to take aim at some clay pigeons.  Saturday afternoon was a chance to kick back and enjoy the family in many ways.  Later that afternoon we all enjoyed a “snack” of root beer floats.  Unfortunately, not everyone got to see the antics of the Bubble Ninja that found his way onto the camp grounds Saturday afternoon (you were having way too much fun, Tim; if you do some searching on Facebook you might find some video).  Later in the afternoon the tradition of large card Dutch Blitz continued with an intense game or two, a definite highlight for both young and old.

Saturday evening’s events began with some pre-dinner music provided by “The Norma’s Friends Band” (I don’t think they have a working name).  We enjoyed about an hour and half of a wide variety of music including some praise and worship, 70’s and 80’s pop music, and even taking a few requests from the audience (isn’t that right Firman “Johnny Cash” Gingerich?).  After enjoying pizza, pie and ice cream, the evening activities began with a fast paced game of Bunco.  The Miller Reunion’s budget was nearly exhausted with the fabulous prizes that were handed out to the Bunco winners.  The grand prize was won by Wilma!  What was the grand prize you ask?  A chance to plan the next Miller reunion, which she promptly passed on to Laurie…nice move!  Your next planning committee will be Laurie & Derek Yoder, JB & Carla Hochstetler, Emily & Max Woodring (isn’t that right JANE!) and Lisa & Kelvin Bartel (I wonder if Barb has told her yet?).        

After Bunco, the Miller family dusted off their talent with our first Talent Show/Show and Tell program.  The show started off with wonderful pieces of art from aspiring artists, Mira and Jill Yoder.  Next we had an inspiring message from Reverend Mother (aka Susan) speaking about the dangers of the thong in today’s churches.  It is said that confession is good for the soul and we are happy to report that many made a decision for respectful undergarments that evening (led by Nita!).  Following the great revival that took place, Firman took the stage and told us a moving story about a little snake named Petey.  Poor Petey, all he ever wanted to do was hiss; hiss in a pit.  He couldn’t hiss in his pit, and he was sent back home when Mrs. Pott caught him hissing in her pit.  Where can a little snake hiss in peace and quiet? 

Next on the talent show’s list was the “laughter contest” put on by Clint and Max.  The “volunteers” for the contest were Paulette, Emily and Angie.  Using only one word anyone could come up front to eliminate the contestants.  Many came forward but the three were determined.  When it was all said and done Emily was declared the winner.  Katie followed the contest with a one person play recreating two scenes from her childhood.  The first was a re-enactment of a trip that Mark, Angie and Katie took with Marv, Paulette and the boys to Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp just west of Colorado Springs, CO.  Here is a riddle for you: What happens when you put four cousins in the back of a van and travel to Colorado long before the days of IPods, laptops, on-board DVD players and cell phones?  The answer can be found in the story of Brad “losing” his shoe, practical jokes, and car sickness.  We were wondering if Mark ever made it to the “zoo” on that trip.  The second re-enactment was the day that Katie discovered their family car had power windows.  Moments like that are what family is all about, creating memories, and that is why we make an effort to gather as a family.  All together everyone…”magic window; down.  magic window; up!”  The last act of the evening was performed via satellite from Birmingham, AL.; okay, via a DVD.  Davis had to miss the Miller reunion this year because he was participating in speech nationals.  He qualified in the category of Humorous Interpretation, and performed his speech via DVD.  There was also an impromptu dance routine performed by Katie, Meredith, Ilona and Lara...bring on the dancing girls!    

After the talent show came to a close, the rest of the evening was spent playing table games including an extreme game of “spoons”.  Some enjoyed a little quieter evening around the campfire making traditional smores as well as a Bible Memory Camp favorite, Utah Smores.  JB kept us entertained around the campfire with stories of “Pool Rules” (you’ll just have to ask him next time you see him).  Eventually things began to quiet down around the lodge and people began to turn in for the night.  We all enjoyed the first day of the reunion, but there was still more to come.  As the old Carman song says…Sunday’s On the Way!   

Like with any family, it is interesting to see who the true morning people are and who are not.  Sunday morning began with a hot cup of coffee and Ruby’s old cinnamon roll recipe (thanks Alice and Dallas).  At 9:00 it was time to begin church service at the First Miller Mennonite Church.  Lara led us in worship as we wiped the sleep from our eyes and began to concentrate on the Lord and the things He wanted us to hear that morning.  After a time of singing, Sharlene read our scripture for the morning; Jeremiah 29:10-14, This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.  I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."   

Clint then called the children forward for a short story; The Three Brothers, talking about the importance of family and being together.  Susan then expanded on our scripture for the day, talking about how the plans the Lord has for each of us are plans to prosper us and not to harm us and how they are plans to give us hope and a future.  She also explained how the Lord uses His people to shape those plans and our future.  Susan had asked Larry, Jane and Norman to share with the group how their “what do you want to do when you grow up?” plans had changed over the years.  They also shared how and who helped them shape their lives into who they are today.  It was interesting to hear how the Lord took this farmer, wife/mother and policeman want-a-be’s and directed them into their lives as we know them.  The church service concluded with more praise and worship. 

After our morning church it was picture time for each of the families, formal introductions of families and the “election” of the next planning committee.  Brunch was then served by the camp and the weekend had come to an end.  As people began to pack up and say good-bye we all reflected on a wonderful weekend; a chance to spend time with family and appreciate the heritage that has been given to us.  I hope and trust that we can pass the baton on to the next generations as we think of this special Miller family.