What a beautiful, fun-filled mini family reunion we had this August... A whirlwind 22 of us, from ages 18 months to 75! The grounds and cottages Ruby & Sapphire were filled with joyful hoots n' hollers, play & comfort.. Our meals were delicious and picking up groceries from nearby Ingles/Walmart or any number of eateries in town, easy as pie/cakes. The weather a perfect late summer, balmy weekend.. There were different areas for the kids to swim, throw frisbees, play chase & catch. The cottages were perfect. moms and dads and kids and grands sleeping up to six in beds on the main floor & loft. The downstairs had game tables with lots of additional floor space to add a few blowup mattresses. There were also comfy beds for six and a full bathroom downstairs as well. Most of our meals were in the Sunrise Lodge, where there is a huge kitchen for cooking & eating lunch and dinner or preparing a picnic lunch if the families wanted to explore & hike. Our family had at least one big meal on Saturday there, with everyone bringing something yummy (I've never seen so much food!!).. We were having so much fun all day & night.. swimming, eating, talking & playing that we didn't have time to go up to the overlook for a bonfire & s'mores (next time!!). The lodge has a small fire pit, so everyone stayed at the lodge. There is also a walking labyrinth on the property for reflective & meditative relaxation. Most of all the time went so fast! We promised to organize another bigger family reunion for 2023 or 2024. In the meantime, we feel blessed that our dear sister hostess Chevin and nephew Uri and niece Rachael, have created, with such oving care & attention to detail, a very Splendid Splendor Mountain for the enjoyment of all who visit! We have so many photos & videos to enjoy & re-live our fantastic Woodruff-Illges gathering!
