It's Decided...

The majority has spoken and we will be gathering in Nebraska for the 2011 Hensley Reunion! I know it's not as exotic as Hawaii, but it seems to serve its purpose as an accessible location for most. Sorry to disappoint those who were hoping for something different. We are creatures of habit. Also, those who are planning this event are not sure where we will be living in a few years, so going to a location that we are familiar with is the best choice. Please follow the link for a quick survey to collect anonymous feedback bout this upcoming reunion.

Please complete the survey by the end of November 2009!

Midwest

I have been looking into campsites in southern Wisconsin area just this past week. I wanted to get an idea of possible campsites/cabin rentals. As of now, a reunion in either Wisconsin or Illinois is preferred. There is a venue that the aunts and uncles will be using this weekend in Nebraska (last I heard), that may be another viable option for the reunion location. Please let me know about this location after you use it.

How would you all feel about cabin rentals as opposed to a lodge? I've looked into one site that offers cabin rentals. This way, families could "go-in-on" a cabin together (some cabins sleep up to 10 people). This eliminates the need to rent a common space as each cabin has a living room (we could designate the largest cabin as the all-purpose space for everyone to use--game playing, conversation, etc.). Also, each cabin is equipped with a kitchen (some larger than others), so we could buy food and make food on location which could help save money.

Please contribute your thoughts on the location and venue options for the reunion. It's going to be necessary to have an exact location determined by mid-summer so that we can proceed with reservations.

Another question: how many of you intending to come and will be driving or flying out (would it be necessary to find a location near an airport or not)?

Location, Location, Location!

Two major aspects of any event are the TIME and PLACE the event is to occur. We already know that the reunion will take place in 2011, but we need narrow down the month (and eventually the weekend) and the general part of the country we will meet for this reunion (more specifics on the exact place will follow).

Please review the following and publish your preference in the form of a comment on this blog. It would be great to have your input by May.

1.) Location.
Taking into account past experiences and the opinions of others, here are a few options for where we could meet. Feel free to add another location by stating that in a comment.

A. Out West.

• Cousin Wendy and Family live in Washington State and it might be nice to see them again.
  
• We could venture into this region full of wonderful vacation possibilities.

B. Colorado.

• This seems to be a hot spot (we have stayed at the YMCA camp in Winter Park twice).
• We are familiar with the area already and know what to expect.
  
• We may want a change of scenery though.
• A cluster of family already live in Colorado.

C. Midwest (Chicago area?).

• Again, something new we haven't tried before.
• Clusters of family live in the Midwest--easy travel for them.
• Great vacation spots in this area too.
• Middle ground for those on the East and West coasts.

D. Nebraska.

• Another tried and true reunion spot.
• Ancestry and family ties to this area.
• Another middle ground area for those who have to travel.
• Clusters of family live in this area too.
• May want a change of scenery though.

E. Out East.

• A new experience.
• Clusters of family out this way too =)
• A lot of historical/vacation hot spots.

F. Hawaii

• While we're on a role, why not mention it?!

2.) Time of Year

A. June
B. July
C. August

**Please publish a comment so that we can all see. Again, your input matters!!

Next post: Narrow down location spot and venues in that area.

What Will Change in Two Years...

There are two and half years between now and the next Hensley Family Reunion. A lot of planning will occur before this event. A lot of input will be given from you all in order to create this event. And with everything, many things will change before this event.

For instance...

Kayla will have finished Junior High School.
Juli will have lived in France and come back to the States speaking French fluently.
Nancy will have led and performed in two more Christmas Hand Bell choirs.Sherri will have made two more sets of elaborate Halloween costumes for Benjamin and Joshua.
Ian will have finally stuck with a major...and graduated?!Kyra will know more about teeth than all of the Hensley clan as a whole.
Jesse will not only be able to label all sorts of tractors, but he will probably have one of his own.
...And on and on.

Please use this blog as your primary connection point throughout the planning stages of the 2011 Hensley Reunion. Email will be used to help with reminders and then to direct you to this blog. Please set up an account so that you can comment on blog postings which will allow others to view your comments and help us to connect virtually.

What to expect on the next post: Questionnaire/Survey about 1.) time of year to have the reunion, and 2.) region of the US to travel to for the reunion.