A yearly get together......

Every year for the last 23 years we have been getting together as a family (the whole of Kristian´s family) the first weekend after Pentecost, for a picnic and day out. Years ago we all lived in different parts of Denmark and so those that lived furtherest from each other didn´t get to see each other so often, so having this picnic day meant that we all got to see each other at least once a year. Even though we now all live closer to each other, and have done for years,  we love this tradition and have kept it going all these years.

Since Kristian has 5 siblings each year a different sibling has been in charge of planning the day. This year it was our turn. We had a great day planned down by a lake, those that wanted could go out rowing and the rest could relax by the waters edge. Unfortunately we had to change our plans as the weather looked terrible for Saturday.

So the day started home at our place. We served breakfast to the 31 family members. Everyone was there except one niece!!

Everyone gathered in the kitchen to say good morning to each other. My tiny kitchen has never been sooo full! For some unknown reason the kitchen was packed with people and the living room was empty! I think people didn´t get any further than the kitchen before they were lost in conversation with each other.

 

When everyone had arrived Kristian called us outside to say welcome. We also had a surprise for his sister Signe and her husband Kim. They have been married 25 years this month so we had gotten together as a family and bought a small gift for them. We wanted to give it to them. Kristian´s brother Søren would hold a speech for them and then give them the gift. He did a great speech . They were totally taken by surprise.

 

 The gift was a glas bowl made especially for them with colours that they like.

They then were made to dance the wedding waltz.....it was great fun!

It was then time for breakfast.....

 We had put tables and benches in the garage and we had a heater going, so it was really warm in there.

 I had been up at the crack of dawn to bake bread rolls for them all. Freshly baked and warm, they were delicious. even if I say so myself!! :-) They went down a treat!

The garage wasn´t the only place filled with bodies...the living room and dining room were too. It was all really cosy.

After breakfast we decided to head out on a walk in the beautiful nature that surrounds us.  We had planned a 4km walk through the forest.

The good thing about walking is you end up walking with different members of the family along the route and get to catch up with them and their lives. I spent some time talking to my nieces new boyfriend. He came and met the family for the first time and he was just lovely. I think she has found herself a keeper there!

Half way through the walk the heavens opened and we had to try and find shelter in among the trees. The rain didn´t last long but it was heavy while it was on. After about 5 minutes it was over and we could see some blue skies! Yes!!!

But even the rain could not dampen our spirits.....there was singing in the rain!

By the time we got back home the sun was out, there was blue skies and we were all feeling tired and hungry!

 Out came the picnic, we had all made something for the buffet, we hadn´t arranged what exactly to bring, it was "Potluck" - just bring something to share with us all, and nobody made the same thing. There was a huge variety to choose from and everything was delicious!

 Some found a place in the garden to sit and eat their food.

 

 

 

 Others sat in the garage.....

 My mother-in-law was enjoying her spot in the sun......

 Some of the family played badminton, others rugby, others bowls while others played Uno. But most of the afternoon was just spent relaxing and enjoying each others company. We all just enjoy hanging out together. 

We usually always end up singing and so yesterday was no different. Those who love to sing, sing their hearts out and those that don´t just listen and enjoy!

At 5.30pm people started to pack up and head home. It was such a great day together.