Say goodbye and head on home....

Well, it was time for everyone to say their goodbyes today. Most of the morning was spent grabbing one last breakfast and packing up our bags. We had to be out of our rooms by 10am, so after the cars were loaded up we took a few last minutes to visit. The kids spent some time playing in the lobby, and then one by one everyone left for the airport.

Anson and Davey re-enact the lawnmower skit from the first night. I can't really say either of them are "jerks!"

Bubble time with cousin Jasmine.

As far as flights go, I know for a fact that York and Gloria, Trevor, Carol, & Dane, Keith, Brittany, & the Davey's made it out alright. However, I was told that the LA contingent had some major delays in their flight. I hope you all made it home okay. As for Jeff & JJ, they were flying standby on Delta, and the last time I saw them, they were waving to the rest of us Utahn's as we walked down the gangway. Jeff said he was pretty much planning on spending the night there at the airport. Jeff, if you are reading this, I hope you are doing it in the comfort of your own home!!!

We are all looking forward to the next reunion. If you have any great comments, ideas, or suggestions, feel free to click on comments at the bottom of one of these entries. I will make sure to pass them on to the people in charge.

Also, this blog is not just for this reunion, but the Tang Family in general. So if you have anything fun you would like to share, email me at davey2brittany@gmail.com. For the time being I will be managing the blog. We will let you know if anything changes.

Hope to see everyone soon!!!

River Rafting

Today was the day that the majority of our group went river rafting. Everyone had to wake up bright and early so we could be to the rafting office by 6:45 am.

Those left behind at the YMCA decided to take it easy that day. In the morning LaVerne and Brittany took Anson and Davey to the library where they checked out some children's books. Then they headed down to the conference room in the basement of our building and helped the little boys play baseball with a soft bat and whiffle ball. Later, Andrew, his boys, Jeff, Keith and Brittany decided to take the shuttle into Estes Park. When we arrived in downtown we were greeted by York and Gloria who were on their way back to the Y. Keith and Brittany decided to wander downtown for a while, Jeff decided to check out one of the Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park Visitor Centers, and Andrew just stayed on the shuttle with the boys who took advantage of the opportunity to nap. The shuttle was actually pretty nice. It took you on a pretty scenic loop around the entire area.

The rafters didn't get back until after 7pm. This created a problem for some, because they stopped serving dinner right at 7. They even lock the doors in the cafeteria so latecomers can't get in. Apparently, some who didn't go river rafting didn't recognize the faces of the latecomers in our group who stood outside the doors waiting for someone to let them in!!! Oh well, the latecomers headed into town instead for I am sure what was a tasty bite to eat. The night then ended with some visiting in the lobby and mah-jong in the conferece room (of course).

Isabella Tang...the newest member of the Tang Family

I got an exciting email from Jean today. It is forwarded from Chuck, who many of you know is in China picking up his new little girl. Apparently these pictures were sent just and hour or two after they picked her up. I think she is adorable and I am so excited to meet her!!! I have also included the link to the blog Chuck and Meagan are keeping. It is under "Family Links" in the sidebar. It is interesting to read about the whole adoption process.

-Brittany

Monday's activities....

Today was an early morning for many, especially considering that there were quite a few awake until midnight playing mah-jong. Keith, Trevor, and Dave Milligan headed out for a day of golf. Jeff, JJ, Pam, Paul, and William went on a 2 hour long horseback ride through Rocky Mountain National Park. Davey and Anson decided to go the horseback riding route as well, although it was on a much smaller scale. Anson rode on a horse named Star and Davey rode on a horse named Strawberry Shortcake. They had a terrific time and now consider themselves true cowboys. Dane, LaVerne, Carol, Eunice, and May decide to go hiking in the park. Gloria's kids went river rafting today, since they won't be here tomorrow. The rest of us stayed at the Y and played games, hung out, and got a little rest. Lunch was Chinese food, which we were all a bit apprehensive about, but it turned out to be surprisingly, okay. I am not sure I would use the word "good" to describe it, but it was alright.

The Lews river rafting...they are in the yellow helmets and Jennifer's husband Dave is in the black helmet next to her. Looks like fun!!

The early morning horseback ride..

JJ looks like a natural in that saddle!

Davey and Anson waiting at the corral for their ponies.

Davey with his new favorite cousin Jeff playing marbles.

William and JJ are involved in a challenging game of pool.

York and Pam playing ping pong.

The hikers were gone all day, and returned to the Y soaking wet. Apparantly a big thunderstorm with lots of rain and hail overtook them on their journey. Needless to say, some were more prepared for the inclement weather than others, but they all still had a good time.

Dane, Eunice, and Alvin enjoy some beautiful scenery.

A beautiful view of Rocky Mountain National Park.

After dinner most took in a game of miniature golf. Then it is my understanding that York lost to his son-in-law Dave in a brutal game of ping pong. Unfortunately York's warm up matches earlier in the day didn't pay off. We ended the evening with what else, more mah-jong.

Tomorrow should be an exciting day, as the majority of family members are going river rafting bright and early at 6:45!!!!

Fun and Games on a Sunday afternoon

Today was our first full day at the YMCA. Being Sunday, many took the opportunity to attend church services, whether it was here at the YMCA itself, or in nearby towns. We also took to opportunity to explore in the morning. Dane and her family walked into Rocky Mountain National Park and did a couple of short hikes. Dave Milligan, Carol, Jeff, JJ, Paul, William, LaVerne, and Davey walked around the Y, and spent quite a bit of time visiting the horses at the corral. After a delicious lunch, (and believe me, the lunches here are quite delicious), we all met for some fun games in the conference room at the Twin Sisters Lodge where we are all staying. We played, "Guess the Disney Character" and a get-know-you game where we came away knowing a lot more about each other than just each other's names. We also played a funny game where we all picked names of animals. It is hard to explain, but for anyone who was there, just remember that Jasmine was and ox, and Elsie was a tiger!!

Here is the tiger hard at work!!

Davey gets to know his cousin, Pam.

Right before dinner we met in front of the admistration building for a group picture. Needless to say, I am sure with the amount of cameras out there and the amount of "1,2,3...CHEESES!!", someone is bound to have and acceptable picture of our entire group.

The older generation

The younger generation

Having a little fun at the YMCA!!

After dinner we met again for a couple of rounds of Family Fued, where the Utahn's beat the Californians, and the Boys beat the Girls. Later a group of people started playing mah-jong. Dave Milligan even learned how to play. He now claims to be the "Grand Master." Not bad for a Lo-Fan!!!

Wife (Jennifer Holtkamp) vs. husband (Dave Holtkamp) in Family Fued!!

Dave Milligan and William particpate in their first mah-jong game.

Tang Family Reunion 2008 - Estes Park, CO

The Tang Family Reunion for 2008 began today at the YMCA of the Rockies near Estes Park, Colorado. Everyone arrived throughout the afternoon and we enjoyed meeting and greeting each other as we checked in.

After dinner, we all met over a campfire and played some games that were led by some of the staff. We played a game called "Celebrity" in which we each had to wear a headband with the name of a famous person or character on their headband. We then had to ask others "yes" or "no" questions to help us determine the identity of the character. It was a lot of fun. Some particularly funny ones were Alvin, who was Brad Pitt, Elsie, who was Angelina Jolie, Raymond, who was Chewbacca, and Jeff, who had the hardest time figuring out he was Art Garfunkel. We then did some skits, played more games and then ended with roasting s'mores.

Waiting for the fun to begin!!!

Our resident "Brad Pitt" and "Angelina Jolie"

Anson was trying to get the lawn mower started.

Aydan was happy with just a cell phone.

Getting to know each other better.

Some of the younger generation (JJ, William, and Conor) enjoying s'mores!

After campfire we all went back to the meeting room at the lodge and re-introduced ourselves and explained our relationship to one another and our ancestors. Dane was able to put together a genealogical chart, and Eunice was even able to tell us a little bit about the relatives that we don't know as well, since she grew up in Hong Kong. It was a fun first day and we are all looking forward to and exciting week.