McGinnis Family Reunion

I decided the family reunion we went to in July deserved it's own post, if only so family members could relive all the exciting moments.  After this I promise to begin chronicling events that happened less than six months ago.  Our family reunion was with Loren's immediate family, minus his oldest brother (we REALLY missed you, Seth!).  We started out in West Virginia, where we met up with his mom and sister + family, then drove to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, where the reunion was officially held.

 Sophie and her youngest cousin, before we drove to MD

We all stayed in a chalet on a big piece of property that was a bit outside of town.  Of course, the house was  teeming with people (in a good way!) and had lots of fun things to do, including a hot tub, pool table and fish pond.  We kicked things off with a weenie and marshmallow roast.

A nice, manly pose from Loren

 Chowing down on her 'mallow

The next day most of us went horseback riding.  Loren and his mom opted to take some of the nephews/grandsons mini-golfing instead.  It was Sophie's first time on a horse!  She complained about the bumps a little bit and we got rained on, but it was still fun.

 She was excited!

 Molly and I

 Sophie and I got to ride together

 The back of the pack

Another day we went to Swallow Falls State Park.  We went on an easy hike, with two lengthy stops for swimming at waterfalls.

 Stop #1

 The original plan was to go on the hike, then go swimming elsewhere, but that was quickly abandoned

 Rednecks, swimming in various states of undress

By the second waterfall, which connected with a big stretch of the Youghiogheny River, we had gotten our act together and everyone was dressed in appropriate swimming attire.  We picnicked, then floated in the river, slid down rocks and suffered various minor injuries trying to climb up the very slick rocks to the small waterfall.  Sophie took a spill on the rocks and after that was pretty hesitant about the water.  Whoops!

Of course, beyond the official activities, there was a talent show (which our family was unprepared for, hence we did not participate), frisbee throwing, baseball catching, and lots of board game playing.  We had a wonderful time in our first visit to Maryland.  We love you McGinnis/Nelson clan!