Take Me Home, Country Roads: Family Reunion Gatlinburg Style

In June we packed up the southern Friedmann clan and met up with the northern Friedmann clan for a fun week of family time in the mountains of Tennessee.

My dad is one of eight siblings, so the reunions often seem more like the groupings of nomadic tribes from various countries, rather than one family. Above is a picture of most of the family. Yep, that's right, there are more.

So here are some pictures that capture exactly what a week of overeating, chasing babies, shopping for mountain souvenirs, and catching up with lovely cousins, aunts, and uncles looks like:

We had a beautiful loggish cabin that we shared with my 2 brothers, their lovely wives, my parents, and  my niece and 2 nephews.
Most days involved eating, napping, and squeezing baby cheeks. It was heaven.



For dinners, the entire extended family would meet at one house and share dinner. There was much eating, corn toss, and squeezing of baby cheeks. Still heaven.

We did occasionally leave our little nest to explore the glorious region of Gatlinburg. It's not exactly Milan, but it had its own rustic charm.

Plus there was Dollywood, which is actually pretty awesome. Even though Dolly herself is apparently not there?! That was a shocker. I mean, she could at least sell ice cream cones or do face painting for the kids. I think she owes us that.

In addition to exploring downtown Gatlinburg and its assortment of mulleted citizens, we also celebrated Eric and Magen's summer birthdays.

And what's that? Afraid you don't have the strength or stamina to open all of your presents by yourself?! Don't you fret, Audrey is more than happy to lend a hand!

And she can also build a mean tent. And yes, that is her own iPhone in its little pink case.  Girl knows her apps.

 It was totally worth the 20 hour (!!!) drive to see and spend time with precious family. And it's also an amazing feeling to watch the family grow through new loves and new babies.

And speaking of additions, here are all of the current great-grandkids (minus poor Ellen who had the stomach bug and Lily and Corey who couldn't make the trip). Aren't they gorgeous?
And even if you aren't impressed by a picture of random children you don't know, you should at least be impressed that we got them all to sit still for a picture.

In summary, family reunions are like going to the gym. When you are home on the couch, the effort to put on your workout clothes, sneakers, and drive over to 24 Hour Fitness seems monumental.

But it you make the trip, you are always glad you took that Spin class after all.

And spending time with your family is like Spin class. It's sweaty and loud, but you increase muscle mass.

So here's to you Friedmann Family Reunion 2012! You're as beautiful and fun-loving as ever! Cheers!