Karyn Stone, Monica Stone, Malinda & Kevin Thomas, Nick Thomas, Emily Thomas, Kalil Watson, Michelle Marchesano and Allie Marchesano and David and Carol Barker - all from Des Moines, Iowa; Steve Reppertinger fron San Franciso, CA; Lana & Dick Gibson from St. Joseph, MO; Stephanie & Curtis Reinke, Lindsey Reinke and Bryan Wells from Olathe, KS; Tyler Gibson and Jordan Klejch from Kansas City, MO; Linda & Gary Klejch from Mount Ayr, IA; Dan & Jeannie Barker, Leslie, Ramez, Christoper and Alexa Salamah from Owensboro, KY; Rita & Larry Hunter from Redondo Beach, CA; Allison Hunter and Alejandro Gutierrez from Denver, CO; and afternoon guests were Ramez's brother, sister-in-law and niece from Minnesota.

Though everyone provided a favorite dish or two to share, the cuisine took on a decidedly international flavor with kimchi & sticky rice (Korean), fried plantains with melted cheese (Colombian), freshly made hummus (Middle-Eastern), and the hosts' preparation of good old Iowa pulled pork - all very delicious! No one went away hungry.

Games of croquet and bocce ball were ready to be played, but the day turned out to be quite hot and humid so most people opted to stay indoors for conversation and a few games of chess. The large back yard deck overlooking a beautiful green Ringgold county landscape, was also an enjoyable and peaceful gathering place in the afternoon.

This was the first family reunion since losing our beloved mother, LaViece, in July, 2015, and she was certainly missed. She will be forever in our hearts.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2015