a success!

I have so many pictures and blogger is retarded when it comes to uploading photos. Really, only 5 at a time? I'll be here all night....anyhoodle...I have been meaning to get some photos here for you to see. There are more on my Facebook page.

All in all, in my opinion, the reunion was a hit. The lodge and cabins at The State Game Lodge in Custer State Park, South Dakota was nice. We enjoyed a nice big grassy area next to the main cabin and had a nice little creek running through the property, although we ran into ticks! Jeff found the first one in Matthew's ear! Gross!!!

We only encountered one minor problem upon check-in and eventually received a spare room (for free) for their mistake. Later did we find out it was haunted! Too bad the ghost did not make an appearance! The Herron family had a nice, cozy cabin which was right next to the creek.

My hard work and the hard work of a handful of additional family members really made this a success! The adults played a single-elimination tournament of Family Feud which was fun! You'll see the winning team below sporting some funny glasses. The kids played several outdoor games and won prizes for their efforts.

The weather cooperated, the food was delicious, and the company great. The fun, laughter, jokes, and beer was freely flowing. What a fun bunch of people! I certainly enjoyed hanging out and visiting with all 61 people. Thanks to all those who helped me. I sure do appreciate the help and couldn't have done it without your organization.

The youngest of my male cousins
(Lance, Dusty, Scott, Bill)
The winning family feud team!
(Marlys, Bob, Bill, Taylor, Mark)

Dazell Family

Myran Family

Bill Hourigan Family

The cousins

The Rumfelt Family

The oldest Hourigans
(Bob, Colleen, Jim, Bill)

Time of your life photo?
Cody, Troy, Sydney

Our cute cabin

Jase, Taylor, Maryn, Sidney

Tapp Family

Captain Sandbar

Mountain Rushmore (as Matthew calls it)

Kari Bari and Lisa Pisa

Robert Hourigan Family

We had fun at the ice cream social. There was certain silliness to be had by everyone.

The messiest ice cream eater

Alexys & Lauren

Bill and Jesse

Don't touch my ice cream or I'll get you!

Dusty & Jeremy

Molly & Bill

location, location, location

Accommodations are set. You may now begin to reserve your lodging at the beautiful State Game Lodge at Custer State Park Resort. Check out the virtual tour, photos and other information here.

Please call (888) 875-0001 and ask for the Hourigan Reunion block. You have until April 17th to reserve your accommodations. The following will be available for you:

• 15 motel rooms with 2 queen beds at $135.00 (+ tax) per night. Sleeps 4.
• 3 sleeping cabins -1 room, 2 double beds, bathroom, TV, AC at $130.00 (+ tax) per night. Sleeps 4.
• 1 housekeeping cabin - 3 room unit, 3 dbl. beds, sofa-sleeper, full kitchen, bathroom, TV, AC at $215 (+ tax) per night. Sleeps 1-10, 8 comfortably.

Sleeping Cabins do not have kitchens
Housekeeping Cabins have kitchens or kitchenettes
Pots, pans, dishes, and utensils are not furnished in Housekeeping Cabins.
Extra person $10.00 per day. Rollaways $10.00 per day.
Maid service, towels and linens are provided in all units.

I am still working on coordinating meals and a meeting location for our Friday night ice breaker. The set-up is a more formal than our 2004 location and we will most likely have the housekeeping cabin as our 'headquarters.'

Happy booking! Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

accommodations

I have been searching high and low for the perfect accommodations for our group. Now I need some feedback from you.


1. I have been in contact with Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort. See the website here. They have availability for our group. The downsides are: newer resort with no trees/shade. No real cooking facilities for a dinner or lunch. The larger cabins have hot plates and dishes but nothing to accommodate a large group.


2. I have been really interested in the Custer State Park area for some reason. They have 5 resorts in the park. They are all beautiful and have ample activities, restaurants, and meeting rooms and full kitchens for cooking ease. See them all here. The Legion Lake Lodge or the Blue Bell Lodge look more relaxed and inviting for a family reunion. The downside is that it may be a little to a lot more expensive than just your regular campground.


3. We also have American Presidents Resort in Custer. See it here. It definitely looks a little more 'rustic' but does have the meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and plenty of simple cabins.

4. There is the Wickiup Village Cabins in Spearfish Canyon run by Les Wolff? I know nothing about them. Bob had a class reunion there last year? See their website here.

Please suggest others if you think they would work for us and let me know what you think about any and/or all of the above.

Thanks.

Game Show Theme

Lisa correctly identified the Hourigan Reunion 2009 theme as "Game Shows." We all know how grandma Helen loved her game shows. I personally remember her favorites as being The Price is Right and Press Your Luck.

Please leave a comment and tell me your game show memories!!

As for the remaining answers to the quotes, they are as follows (there were only 7 as I had two from The Family Feud):

"Sock it to me" - Laugh-in
"We've got a really big show" - The Ed Sullivan Show (not a game show but I liked the quote).

Thanks to Lisa and Bobi for their participation!!!

Stay tuned for big ideas regarding accommodations. Also, if you could shoot me an email and let me know if you will be attending, I'd appreciate it!

It's time we meet again!

We've got a really big show! Can you believe it has been 5 years since the last Hourigan Family reunion? As I dust off the planning binder I can feel the excitement welling up inside of me. Oh, sock it to me!

The magical weekend will begin the second week of June. Location yet to be determined. Naturally, the Black Hills is an ideal location and fairly close and convenient for most everyone, and that's my final answer!

Stay tuned to this blog for exciting updates as I establish a plan. I will be sending out "save the date" cards for you to keep on your fridge as a reminder. I will also be organizing committees for all those who are interested in helping again. Big bucks, no whammies, STOP!

Check back often to see how things are progressing and feel free to make any suggestions and/or comments about who, where, what and why. Let's play the Feud!

Finally, the Hourigan Family reunion theme has been determined and throughout this post I left quotes for you. So come on down and name that theme! And, one thing you don't want to hear me say is, "You are the weakest link. Goodbye!"

Name the theme and list the eight quotes and where they came from!

Survey says...