We spent last weekend in North Dakota at my husband's family reunion. The reunion is just for his immediate family- brothers & sisters, their kids and grandkids. Reunions used to be week long spectaculars with theme nights- Hawaiian luaus, Cowboy night; all day bingo, watermelon seed spitting contests and afternoon long shopping trips (for the guys) to Scheels, the huge sporting goods store.
The reunions don't last as long as they used to, with over 30 of us, it's hard to find a time when everyone can get together and so the activities have been scaled back. But one thing we still have is The Talent Show.
In the past, the Supremes made an appearance. (I'm one of back up singers.)
As have the Blues Brothers.
And even Sister Act.
This year's show featured a lot of balance beam numbers. Both Grace (above)
and Clara had costumes from their dance classes.
Grace's little sister Molly was very disappointed that she didn't have a costume to wear while performing.
Grace tried to console her by explaining, "Mom didn't pack a costume for you because she didn't know you had talent".
Auntie Laura to the rescue. She fashioned a Project Runway worthy ensemble for Molly out of half a towel, a head scarf, a piece of ribbon, and a clothes pin and chip clip to keep it all together.
There was enough left of the towel that even just-turned two year old Addie got a costume and performed on the balance beam (junior level).
So- if you usually read my blog to see crafts, remember that crafts have real world applications. With just a towel, a scarf, a ribbon and some clothes pins and chip clips (and a lot of compliments and fawning), you can turn a tearful family reunion into a successful gala.
