A couple of thoughts on getting together

All,

I have a couple of thoughts on us all getting together, mostly based on separate conversations with you.

First, as much as possible I would like everyone to feel as if they are on vacation and enjoy themselves when we get together. You guys down in the L.A. area shouldn't have to feel like you must entertain/host the rest of us every time just because you represent a higher concentration of family. If it is the best way for you to participate, then I am all for that, but not as a default expectation. I would much rather meet somewhere else where we can all enjoy a little diversion from the day-to-day world we normally live.

Second, I think that it might be helpful to create at least on repeating "get together "so that people could plan/budget for it. Annually, bi-annually, anything is fine with me. Most if not all of us have limited financial capacity and a pre-planned vacation would probably help to get the greatest turn-out. I am not suggesting it should be the same activity or location. I just think we could plan something relatively consistent and possibly rotate the coordination responsibility.

Third, I think we should focus on getting this off the ground with the original six grandkids. I setup this blog as the letter "O" and number six to represent us. I would hope that we find value and happiness and extend this out to the rest of the family, but if we have to accommodate schedules and finances I would like focus on the O6 first. Once we have re-connected, then we can move forward however we feel. This does not mean others are not welcome to the first event(s), that is not my decision to make nor is it my recommendation.

Lastly, you will notice that this site is not labeled for or by anyone (me specifically) as this should be our site not any one persons. Feel free to take community ownership and point out in-appropriate behavior as you see fit. Also remember this is a public blog and can be viewed by anyone. If we love this idea we can discuss making a private site where we don't have to watch what we say so much.

-Kevin

P.S. These are my first two posts to any blog ever, so don't assume I know what the heck I am doing. Anyone with more experience is welcome to give hints and pointers.

P.P.S. Kristi thought these two posts sounded dry. I promise to be less dry, but I didn't know how else to kick this off. :-) does that help?

Welcome to the kick-off of OUR Blog

Hello All,

Andrea, Sarah and I had a discusssion a couple of years ago about starting to get together now that we were adults. It seems that with the recent passing of grandma there was no better time to take the first steps. I would be one of the worlds worst pen pals as I am not big on any form of communication other than in person face-to-face interaction. No excuses, I know I haven't made much of an effort to this point. Shame on me! I am also not assuming the role of chief co-ordinator, as one of you are likely better suited for that role. However, I am at least one sixth of the original set of grandkids and share equally in trying to find a way to stay connected and this is my first attempt.

I'm not trying to make any decisions but open a forum for us to discuss how to keep in touch and hopefully get at least this part of the family back together more frequently than it has. Paul, Kristi and I were bantering around ways to get together and I think he convinced us to come down to Disneyland this year, we just haven't figured out exactly when. I was thinking immediately after Labor Day weekend to avoid the big crowds.

Maybe this can be ther first opportunity to get together.

- Kevin