George has been wanting a Copeland family reunion for so long, so he, along with his brother and sister, put together a wonderful event on July 9th. His parents were such good people who worked so hard for the community, for their church, and for their family. It was great to honor them by getting as many of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren together as we could at this time.
One of the highlights of their lives was working in the Atlanta Temple for eight years.
The three siblings: Dwayne, Elda, and George
The three siblings and their spouses: George and Laura, Malcolm and Elda, Sandy and Dwayne
Although it was rainy like crazy when we started the party, it didn't stop us at all from having a delicious barbecue meal which everyone contributed to. (The only thing it did affect was the clarity of the pictures--it was pretty foggy, and that along with the barbecue smoke didn't make the clearest pictures.)
Darren's son, Jared, along with Denise's children.
Jeff was a great sport and did all the grilling.
Everyone had such a great time chatting and getting better acquainted.
Ray and Dena and two of their eight children.
John enjoying a chat with Elda and Malcolm.
Three of Monica's children.
Lola was there in her boots.
After the delicious meal, we had introduction time:
Dena and Ray with three of their eight children, along with Grandma Elda
Darren, Grandma Elda, and Darren's son, Jared
Denise and James, along with their four children
Monica and Ken and their five children.
Natalie and Jim and their four children--the two littlest are twins!
Nathan and Cami and their son, Grant.
Alison introducing her family in Chinese
Alison and John and their four boys
Amy and Jeff and their three children.
Next, the three siblings showed pictures and told stories about their parent's lives. This was so great--some we had never heard before, some we just needed to be reminded about.
Shortly after Dwayne gave his part, he received a telephone call from Australia. His youngest daughter, Amanda, had just delivered her third child--a girl after having two boys. We were all so happy for them!
Elda had some great pictures that we had never seen before.
George, also, told some great incidents in his parents lives, plus we had put together the start of each of their life stories so that they could be added to with many more memories.
The four cousins who were very close in age: Alison, Natalie, Amy, and Monica
What a great reunion! We hope to do this more often! Thanks for everyone who came!
We then had a little birthday party for Amy because Alison was leaving the next day for San Francisco
Sisters and Mom
Alison gave Amy the most hysterical card ever about a girl in the 80s with the weirdest dance costume on--it brought back so many memories of when the girls danced. We all laughed so hard--but especially Amy!
It has been so fun having the girls together again this summer. As they grow older, they absolutely have become closer and closer. I don't think a day goes by that they don't talk or text--even though one is in China and one is in Florida. Sisters are so special! I seriously don't know what I would do without mine either!
5 comments:
The Copeland reunion WAS so much fun! It brought back so many memories of our great visits to Florida when we were young. Who would have thought that one day we'd actually live here, too!
As for Alison, what can I say? Maybe this will some it up: "Sisters are more important than life itself." Not sure where I heard that but I like to use it often.
Thanks, Mom, for making sure we all had such a wonderful summer!
Yes, sisters and MOM's are more important than life itself! May this famous quote Amy once "made up" go down in history!! Good times---great memories!!
Now, somewhere in my memory I think I knew you were related to David May. However, I never knew there was a Willis connection. I have so much to learn.
I have to second the sister stuff. My sister is number one in my book. There is nothing better. When we would argue as kids, my mom would get upset and we'd tell her to calm down, we were going to grow up to be just like her and her sisters. AND WE ARE!! By the way, you have wonderful daughters!!
How wonderful to see all of George's family again. I'm sure they would have loved seeing the rest of your family, also. When wonderful times happen like family reunions, I always think of the ones that can't be there and think how great it would be to have each one experience those together times. It is great to see that Alison and her family were part of so many family times during their visit. (Loved the photo of little Lola in her boots. She is just too cute!!)
Family reunions are so important, not only for our immediate families but also for extended. That was great that George's family was able to get together while Alison and her family were there.
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