Duane & Anne Bishop Reunion 2009

Every 2 years,


Brad's extended family gathers for a reunion at a

destination planned by one of the siblings. Brad was the sibling in 2009 and since I am his spouse, I delegated myself to help organize the event.  Brad has limited "extra" time outside his job and since I am the family scheduler, it was a natural choice. (although some may disagree!!!)

Over 30 Bishop family members reunited in Overland Park on July 1-4. Joel and Kristin's family stayed at our house while the other's occupied 6 rooms at the Hampton Inn nearby. My good friend, Heidi Fackrell, has "connections" at the Hampton Inn and got the group a GREAT rate! The outdoor hotel pool offered many members great fun and instant bonding.

I have posted various albums and pictures of the reunion and included HIGHLIGHT collages.


MORE REUNION PHOTOS HERE

Heidi Bills, a good friend of mine, shot this photo session. Her eye for beauty and detail created some great shots of Brad's family. Never a dull moment with the jokesters in the family, these candid shots represent the fun and carefree side of the family tree. Kansas City offers some FREE fun for a group this large. With the downturn in the economy in full swing, planning events for no or little cost was a necessity. Supportive friends and family made for a delightful network of experience and thriftiness.

Summer fountains are found all across the country and provide families with the opportunity to cool off during the heat of the day. Recently redone, Crown Center water makes for a relaxing "people" watching event and the nearby shops encourage commerce.

Eating family style sure makes the dining out experience more fun with such a large crowd. This room accommodated our party and the food at Gates was original and authentic. It was reported that all went away satisfied. Younger cousins and their parents visited the Deanna Rose Farmstead----FREE! Weather permitting, this outdoor park offers serene and beautiful landscaped gardens, a nature path, a butterfly garden, fishing, pony rides, goat feeding, and much more.

A tour of this city for LDS members would not be complete without visits to historic sites operated by the Mormon church. The significance of these places (Liberty Jail---Independence Visitor Center) offer deep spiritual insight for those who believe in a prophet on the earth and church restored from Christ's ministry while on the earth. A four-hour caravan to St. Louis completed the Bishop reunion. The weather was perfect for enjoying the sites of the downtown area in the city that boasts----- "Gateway to the West."

For many years, it has been a tradition to have willing members share their talent during the reunion. Such a gathering of personalities makes for a very entertaining show. The smilebox's directly above include music performed during the show set to pictures of various moments. DLB Reunion PHOTOS HERE DLB TALENT SHOW pictures here FUNNY PROFESSIONAL PICS HERE--HEIDI BILLS