Schulerfest 2010

I’ve been a bit scarce around here for the last few days. My wife and I have been hosting a family reunion that we’ve referred to as “Schulerfest 2010”. Seeing to the feeding, care, and accommodations (most stayed with us) of 19 people (my wife and I, my four sisters, their husbands, two children each, and one significant other) is time-consuming and exhausting. The picture above is of my nephews and nieces. As you can see they are scarcely children any more, varying in age from 20 to 26.

This gathering marks a milestone in a number of ways. First, it’s the first complete gathering of my family since my mother died in November. That hung like a pall over what was otherwise a very festive occasion. Stories were told. Tears were shed.

Nominally, it was a celebration of the graduation from college of two of my nieces and one of my nephews. Congratulations, health, and good fortune to you all!

Second, it’s the first time in nearly twenty years my wife and I have hosted a gathering of my entire family. We hosted one before many years ago but most such events have taken place at my mom’s house. Now it’s my turn and the preparations that my wife and I have been making over the last several years served us in very good stead. We provided accommodations for the crowd without too much difficulty. Three full bathrooms certainly helps. There was plenty of room for me to cook three meals (Friday dinner, Saturday dinner, Sunday brunch) for everybody with the able assistance of several of my nephews.

Third, it’s the first time any of my nephews or nieces have brought a significant other to take part in such a family gathering. I’d met the young woman in question before and found her charming, gracious, and delightful. I look forward to seeing her many, many times in the years to come.

But, as one of my nieces soberly and sagely noted several years ago, things will change. This last year has brought many changes and there will be many more to come. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this is the last gathering with our still fairly cozy family—,me and my wife, my siblings, and their husbands and children.

My nephews and nieces took great joy as always in each others’ company and seized the opportunity to see the sights in downtown Chicago. The picture above of my nieces and nephews was taken by my nephew’s significant other and the picture below of Chicago at sunset was taken by one of my nieces.