New Year's 2001 Recap

I can't think of a better way to start out the new year than with family.  It is amazing that although we aren't nearly close enough to call each other "neighbors", we find our way back together twice a year to catch up, meet the newest members, share a drink or two, and have great times.

This year started out with a reminder of how important our time is together.  Ben's hospital visit had everyone scared and made us that much more appreciative when he decided he was well enough to come.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Thanks to Justin and Erica for opening up their home.  What a great space for large groups looking to horse around and to make hordes of food for grazing upon.  The recent improvements to the house look great...if only those pictures would stay put.

Here are some of the highlights from the weekend:

John led the perogie assembly line, and with his crew (Colleen, Andy, Ocie, Ben, Doug, Mimi, and "Justin") approximately 500 perogies were rolled, stuffed, crimped, and boiled.  Although Justin claims to have made "half of those things", he only managed about 10 before turning his attention to more pressing matters.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Mimi and Victoria both share a love of babies, fashion, and Angry Birds (introduced to them by "Loni's boy", Ocie).

The games started with a challenge for two teams to erect the highest tower out of dry spaghetti and marshmallows.  It should be noted that the team with the mechanical engineer stood at a greater advantage. The results were both amazing and lopsided.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

There was a karaoke event, where we discovered that Rays can't sing.  While it may not be our gift, we certainly enjoy it.  Doug wowed us all with his rendition of "I can't get no satisfaction", while Mike and Werner did an interpretive dance.

Kudos to previous spirit-award winners Mike and Werner for making a last minute New Year's Eve appearance and joining right in on the action after their long drive. Arriving stone cold sober, we have never seen anyone "catch up" quite so quickly.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Doug's hand signals for man and woman during charades were rated PG-13 - it appeared as though he was groping himself.  Most creative re-enactment goes to Patty for her interpretation of the Australian Outback - going down-under the coffee table.  One team took advantage of the other's sports stupidity, but don't worry, next time they will find your weakness.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Everyone was a little resistant to playing Pass the Oranges with blood relatives.  There's just something about getting intimately close to your cousins, aunts, and uncles that is strange.  Although Ben and Justin found just the right embrace for getting their orange to each other many cheaters were in the mix.  And there was no shortage of laughing, evidenced by Patty's wet pants. Next time a potty break may be in order prior to this game.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Another family-friendly game involved identifying your partner while blindfolded using only a spatula.  Bette was easily given away by her jewelry, but Ocie had to resort to using the well-known "breast swiping" technique to identify Colleen.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

We toasted at midnight watching Dick Clark, who seems to be following the cosmetic taste of Michael Jackson.  Soon after most went to their respective beds.  The party continued for Ocie and Werner, who exchanged a variety of hard-to-believe stories at high volumes before being banned to the garage.  That's when someone decided to start up the lawnmower...and then were promptly sent to bed.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Saturday morning we were all treated to a dance off/ fashion show, with Mimi and Victoria sporty matching tutus.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

In the afternoon, we all ventured outside the house and took over a suite at the bowling alley.  We were lucky enough to have four glowing lanes all to ourselves!  Sharon and Ocie were the wildcard bowling stars of the afternoon, leading their team to victory.  Patty had a strange reaction to her strike, collapsing to the ground in a fit of excitement.  At least she didn't wet her pants.  Thanks go to Uncle Dougie and Erica for landing such a sweet suite.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Having only heard of the legend of The White Castle, the White Castle enthusiasts of the family took Ocie on his virgin voyage to the land of steamed burgers.  It was love at first bite...10 hours later the magic was gone and Ocie couldn't imagine how anyone could eat them again.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Saturday evening, we all sat down to watch video from the last family reunion and recount memories.  For those of us who weren't able to attend, it was fun to see the hijinks everyone got into.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Congratulations to Ocie on being the recipient of the 2010 Winter Spirit Award!

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Tucker was on his best behavior, which we are all grateful for.  No biting, and he even stopped barking.

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Just a note to those who were unable to attend:  Know that you were missed and we all hope to see you again at the next gathering.

Coming Soon: Preparation for the Ray Family Western

From Rays of the New Year 2011

Ocie's Photo Album here: http://picasaweb.google.com/ocie.ward/RaysOfTheNewYear2011#