Family Reunion Plans

So, after much discussion and weird planning, I am pleased to present to you a tentative schedule for the first ever, much anticipated, OUT OF THIS WORLD! Hutchings Family Reunion.

Date: 29-30 December 2008

Location: St. Louis & Columbia, MO

Family Cost: <$100 per family unit (projected)

Housing: James & Liz's house.  This is what we anticipate:

• Mom, Dad, Marquie in guest room
• James, Liz & boys in Master Bedroom
• Michelle, Bryce & kids in large bedroom (bunk beds, air mattress, pack n' play)
• April, Chloe, Ethan, Collin in Small bedroom (Bunk beds, floor mattresses)
• Heather & Joe on air mattress and/or couch in Family Room
• Justin & Jodi on Air mattress and/or couch in Living Room

We may need help with air mattresses or sleeping bags or something, but we'll communicate later on specific needs after we inventory our own stuff.  There are local hotels if you prefer, but we don't want anyone to feel like they have to spend extra $$ on hotel.  If you'd like hotel names, etc. let me know.

Schedule:

We know we have a lot of people with a lot of different needs for travel, children, housing, etc., so I've prepared a schedule that allows us a lot of time for great activities as well as naps, meal prep, and that good old family chatting we tend to love so much.  Here's what we have:

• 26-28 December: Flexible arrivals.  We know work schedules are all funky, so we thought we'd allow for people to arrive at the best time for them.  This gives the weekend for traveling if people need it.  If you're here early you can help us get all the shopping done and go to church with us on Sunday!
• 28 December:  The Reunion officially starts with Sunday evening meal (prepped by James & Liz.)
• 29 December:  St. Louis Day.  We'll pack a lunch (Heather & Joe) and head into St. Louis to do fun family activities that will depend on the weather.  Options include the Zoo, Art Museum, Science Museum, Planetarium, and maybe more.  We would return mid-afternoon and let the kids sleep in the car on the way home.  Naps!  Michelle & Bryce have dinner prep this night, and our evening is free for fun, play, maybe a Wii sports tournament?  The possibilities are endless.
• 30 December:  Columbia Day.  We are planning to spend the morning at Going Bonkers: think Mc Donald's play place the size of a small warehouse.  It's great for kids of all ages (I love it so much) and we can easily spend a few hours there.  It also has an arcade for those who enjoy such delights.  We'll do lunch at home (Justin & Jodi) then have nap afternoon for the little 'uns and flexible activity for the big kids.  It would be great for sledding or a nature hike or whatever, all depending on weather, of course.  Tuesday evening we are getting sitters for the kids (oh baby yeah!) and we're doing an adult dinner to finish up our reunion.  The reunion will officially end Tuesday night.
• 31 December-1 January:  New Year celebrations.  While the reunion is over and people are free to do what they need to get back to life, travel, etc., all are welcome to stay for Wednesday's great prep for New Year's Eve and the resulting lethargy with which we will greet 2009.

So there you have it.  The official reunion is only 2 1/2 days, but the potential festivities span almost a full week.  We felt it was important to keep the "official" activities confined to the two days because of the travel and work obligations for various family members.  We want to emphasize that NO ONE is obligated to be here for the New Year holiday, but everyone is welcome.

Let me know by email of any questions, concerns, needed clarifications, etc.  We're looking forward to it!