Memories

Tonight was filled with family, laughter and good food... Just the way Grandma and Grandpa would of wanted it. We gathered at our home to celebrate the 1st annual Thomas Family Reunion in honor of Skeets and Frances Thomas Anniversary. They would of been married 65 years today. Its hard to believe that Grandpa has been gone for almost 9 years and Grandma just over 7 months. Kent wanted to honor and celebrate the two of them and keep their memory alive so he decided to start this tradition. Every June 1st or the weekend following we will all gather for a BBQ, cook up some of Grandma Thomas's yummy recipes and bring a memory or two to share with the family. Tonight we were small in number, with lots of the extended family being away on vacation, yet we look forward to all the years to come. We had a great time reminiscing with those who were able to make it. As we shared a few of our memories, I learned that Grandma Thomas tried to stow away with Myrt and Steve on their wedding night. Just as they were about to pull out of the parking lot, Steve noticed a bunch of packages, papers and things rustling. It was Grandma, his brand new mother in law trying her best to hold in her laughter as her entire body started to shake:) I also learned back in 1965(?) Grandpa and Grandma were very leery about their oldest daughter, Marsha, wanting to take the "Mormon discussion". So Grandpa called up the Mormon missionaries serving in Georgia and told them he wanted to listen in, that way he would know what his daughter was getting into. Little did he know he was their golden contact. The entire family ended up being baptized. Thanks to Marsha's 16 year old boyfriend who was willing to share the gospel. Kent's favorite memory was when he "ran away" to Grandma's house. She opened the door, asked where his mom was and when she found out that he had ran away, she said well we better get you inside and something to eat. She made him up a huge hamburger and fries, just listened to him talk, then asked if it was okay if she called his mom. Plus Christmas 2009 when she slept over Christmas Eve and enjoyed Christmas morning with us. Most of his favorite memories of Grandpa involve camping and fishing. The kids even had fun sharing their memories. McKay recalled pulling out one of his teeth at her house and being so excited to show it to Great Grandma when all of a sudden she popped out all her false teeth, and asked how much he reckoned she would get from the tooth fairy. McKay's eyes the size of quarters about popped out of his head. Maggie loved riding on her motorized chair across the street to the Local Grocery Story, having lunch just the two of them and Great Grandma buying her a box of Cosmic Brownies. McKenna loved Grandma's Butter Beans and special outings to Golden Corral. I loved all our visits to Georgia. She ran the best Bed and Breakfast. The above picture was our center piece today. The Iris's freshly cut from our flowerbed. They actually originated from her beautiful yard in Georgia. Kent's Aunt Gloria loved to bring bulbs home each time she visited, so our flowers are transplants from Grandma's garden in Georgia, to Gloria, to us. A daily reminder of the wonderful people in our life. We love you Grandma and Grandpa!