The Goodrums

So, I finally returned from weeks of business travel on July 16th. On July 19th, the first annual Brashares-Deaton Reunion commenced.

Last July, a chunk of the Brashares clan (Mom B, Jen and Goodie), along with several Deatons (Mom D and Emily) trekked down to Peru to visit my sister Kelly and her roommate Sarah (Deaton). We had a blast and when wrapping up we decided that we needed to do an annual reunion. It was decided that we would hold the first reunion in Denver in July 2007.

Well, for the first annual reunion, we added two to the original "Kelly Brashares 7 people." Dad Brashares and Christy joined us in Denver for an extended weekend of good times. Thus, we became Kelly Brashares 9 people. Thank goodness for a big basement and lots of air mattresses!

On Thursday, the Brashares family arrived. Mom B, Kelly and Christy drove in from Oklahoma in what turned into a 13-hour drive with a true Colorado summer welcome (aka hail storm). Dad B flew in on Thursday evening.

The Deatons arrived on Friday. The whole gang trekked out to DIA (the airport in the middle of nowhere) and picked them up. We treated ourselves to a sunset dinner at P.F. Changs.















"Brashares" kiddos at PF Changs
See the horse's feet behind us. He was really freaky.

On Saturday, we drove out west to Evergreen and did a couple hikes in the foothills. Our Peruvian neighbor came over and helped us make a native dish for dinner - Aji de Gallina. So yummy! Michael made a cheesecake and chocolate cake for dessert. (No one was going hungry during this reunion.)

Sunday we visited a nearby church, ate at Beau Jo's (famed Colorado Pizza) and went swimming in Chatfield Reservoir. We ended the day with watching the end of the sunset and star-gazing at Daniel's Park. Christy scared Mom B to death by grabbing her ankle after seeing a snake on the road in!















The end of the sunset at Daniels Park

Monday began the departures with the Deatons and Kelly flying out in the morning. More eating ensued with trips to Jack n Grill (New Mexican cuisine - any clues where this suggestion came from) and Maggiano's Little Italy (best lasagna I've ever had).

On Tuesday, my Dad and I hiked Grays Peak, while Mom B and Christy drove back to Oklahoma. Dad B flew out on Tuesday evening after a long day of playing in the mountains.

More pictures to come. We had a blast!

Until next year... San Diego or bust!