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There is an unspoken understanding that once you have been a member of the Art and LaVonne Anderson Family you will always be a member of the Anderson Family. Kind of like a cult, but with grandma’s sourdough pancakes. This includes all weddings, anniversary parties, and of course, family reunions. Therefore, it came as no surprise to me that my (ex) sister-in-law would organize a reunion where my parents could spend the weekend with every grandchild and great-grandchild of their making. To top it all off we had a beautiful Lake Superior photoshoot by Laura Muus Photography on the rocks by Father Baraga Cross in Schroeder.
This was supposed to be a surprise. We called the group post-OPERATION GRANDMA AND GRANDPA 2022. Everyone had reservations at various resorts in the area, including Chateau Leveaux, Lutsen Mountain, and Superior Ridges. We gathered several of my dad’s work shirts and had them made into keepsake bears. To get my mom to knit 17 sweaters for the bears, it was my husband Mike’s idea to tell her it was for a fundraiser. (My parents are very big supporters of fundraisers.) The entire drive to Texas this winter, my mom knit away on teddy bear-sized sweaters. Adorable. The cat was let out of the bag when a grandson mentioned everyone coming up North in July. Truthfully it was a load off my mind as I hate keeping secrets from my mom. I am a horrible liar, and the sweater ruse nearly put me over the edge.
We rented the Schroeder Town Hall for all three days, which was the greatest. We had rock painting, mega bubbles, toss-across games, puzzles, and aggravation to keep us busy and entertained. The oldest grandchild, Nathan, came with his wife Katie and their two sons, Jaxson and Mason. Then, my godson, Seth was there with his wife Megan and son Devon. My niece Jessica, who made most of the food for the weekend, came with Tanner and their kids, Chelsea and Brody. My recently discovered nephew Cody brought his three children, Jasper, Aili, and Cora Belle. And my youngest nephew Travis (the one who spilled the beans on the surprise) came with his sister Jaylynn and his girlfriend Makayla. My husband Mike was there with Zoe, Ben, Jack and his girlfriend Elyse. The planner of the entire event was my amazing, never to be an ex-sister-in-law Kenna and her husband Scott. I name all of these to show how special each and every one of them is to this family. My parents were so touched and emotional. My mom said she wouldn’t trade a million dollars for the weekend. Now that’s a success. Hugs and Peace to you, Sandy
“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. I shall not pass this way again.” ~ Etienne de Grellet QUAKER MISSIONARY
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