Chapter Four - Gathering Eva, I mean Eve and Day

So it is Friday night and we were getting ready to leave the restaurant.  Scott had left and I was waiting for everyone else to vacate our festivities.  I had asked a family to come over to the house after dinner.  They kindly accepted the offer and I was delighted.  Also, my cousins had come up from Kentucky and were staying with us as well.  I was planning a "private party" so to say on Gathering Eve.  When my brother and I returned to the house, my cousins were there and the kids were swimming.  Life was great.  Everybody in the family seemed to be in such a great mood.  I then started organizing my Gathering Day materials, signage, paperwork, office supplies, drinks, coolers, basically fine tuning.  The door bell rang and it was our New Yorkers.  We went around to the back so that their little one could enjoy the kids as well.  Boy did have a great time!  We talked, laughed, interrupted each other just trying to get every word out.  There was not a silent moment.  It was exhilarating.  Next thing I knew, it was 2am and I had to be "up" in 4 hours.  haha.

The alarms were going off and I woke up bright-eyed and bushy tailed.  Today was the day I had been planning for.  We packed the coolers into the truck and I packed my necessities along with my cousin and we were gone by 730.  I was on a pure C17 adrenaline rush.  When we arrived at the farm, my BIL was awaiting.  We started moving tables, chairs, fan, tent and a bounce house to its respected temporary home.  We finished setting up and it was almost ten o'clock.  I was sweaty, thirsty, and all smiles.  The first family arrived.  Lucas and his family all had on their t-shirts and they looked great.  Then, everything came into place.  People were parking, unpacking, getting comfortable, Dr. Koolen was doing his sessions, Brian was completing interviews, the food and drinks were set, the bounce house was moving at all times and besides the fact that it was really hot, life was great. At 1145 it was picture time.  All families met at the barn and after maybe five minutes,  saying "IT'S HOT" all together, click, click, we were ready to eat.   My volunteers for the food area were awesome! The lined flowed and there was plenty of food for everyone. 
After most everyone was finished, Jan had asked me to get Dr. Koolen's attention to present him with the quilt.  It was amazing and beautiful.  Then she had surprised me with one as well.  I can't say that it was better than his, but since it is mine, I totally will.  It is just a masterpiece.  It has all the children's names on it, all of our family names, just amazing.  

There were so many pictures taken that day, I sort of regret not taking pictures of those that totally deserve recognition. Those would be pictures of my mom and my cousin at the Welcome table, my brother doing his interviewing with individual families all day, my BIL (Mike) and Mary doing anything necessary, especially going to the store, the restaurant, or just parking cars (in the heat), or how about my other cousin that was my ice man, or lets get to the important stuff like the food barn where the Allen's and Uncle Dave made sure everyone was getting exactly what they deserved, a worry free Gathering.  So if I hadn't already exploited you enough or given you the appreciation you most definitely deserve, here is more recognition.  You are wonderful, caring and I appreciate all you did for us that day, THANK YOU!
Time flew by and families were leaving for a long drive home.  Many hugs and tears were exchanged, promises to each other not being their last visits together, children red faced and exhausted in their car seats.  I was cleaning up and it was almost five.  My brother offered a ride to the hotel and off we went.  When we arrived, the Gathering had moved here, into the Holidome, in the pool area.  When Scott arrived with the girls, I was more than ready to get into that pool.  We swam and played with everyone until after midnight.  I can honestly say I just did not want it to end but I know that my family and honestly I was exhausted so we left around one.  That night after we got home, I crashed, hard, but I woke up early enough to get to the store and supply lunch at the house with some families and Dr. Koolen.  We had some work to do...