Summer Barbeques

I was sitting here this afternoon thinking about some of the great fun we used to have in Menan during the summer months. I remember going to Grandma Strupp's house when I was a kid and having barbecues with the whole family, everyone would bring a salad or side dish and the kids would play games like kick the can or no bears out tonight once the sun set. One of my favorite memories is walking down the road to the Midway elementary school and playing softball on their ball diamond with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. It didn't matter who won the game, just that everyone had fun in the process. One of the things I've learned since becoming an adult and teaching kids of all ages is that I was extremely lucky to have family gatherings like these and have the family that I have. Although we are all older (and hopefully wiser about some things) I think we all yearn for those days at one time or another. I'm looking forward to the family camp out this year and seeing all my cousins and other family members who can make it out to it. Last year I spent it in pain and being carted around in a wheelchair and it looks like my mom might end up doing the same thing, but no matter what, we'll be there to enjoy the company of our family. I love you guys!