Lee Family Reunion

Here are the highlights of this year's bi-annual Leo Lee Family reunion:

Of course, whitewater rafting the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork river...including the infamous "Tumbleweed". It ate everybody alive and gave us a few more near death experiences. ;)

(below: the kiddy run)

Infesting the beautiful, white, sandy beach right on the river.

The guys having their "beach olympics" including the long jump:

and the 'walk continuously into the water holding rocks and see who can hold their breath the longest' contest:

of course, Brynne's old man won! That man has lungs! And who looks that great at almost 60?!

Which brings us to our next activity:

Steve's suprise 60th birthday party!

Each sibling (Tom thru Cassie) highlighted a decade of his life very creatively! Then A.J. highlighted his poetry and Brynne played guitar while the brother in laws sang "when the man comes around" by Johnny Cash. Couldn't have had a more appropriate party (in the woods) for such an amazing man!

Treasure hunts for the kids:

Cliff jumping:

There is a 45-50 foot cliff we always jump. Brynne knocked herself out on it 2 years ago doing a flip and then last year was pregnant so when she got up there this time, she had to face her fears. She did it a couple of times (without the flip) and got over it! The guys all did it together.

(below: LtoR Dan, Dusty, Brett and Jon)

(Below: Brynne)

Injury repairing (at least one each trip).

Sally sliced her ear open on the edge of the fire pit and had to have stitches.

luckily Dr. Old Man Gatten comes prepared for anything!
Brynne assisted on the procedure. Just like the old days!

and speaking of injuries...

The Gatten Marathon:

Not your average race!! WIsh we had pictures! It was about a half mile swim down and across the river, and a 2 or more mile run on trails and pavement. In this race, there are no RULES except to stay on course and not KILL anybody.

Well, we came close. Between Dan and Dusty's bike wreck, Brett and Sadies clothes line (at 20 mph on a bike), Jon's running into a tree, Brynne's sores from running in Chacos and all of the peppering, tripping, shoe stealing and vinegaring...miraculously we all made it! And, Brynne won it all!!

Softball:

One night a bunch of the adults met at Superior elementary and played a sweet game of softball (with a tee ball bat) in the sprinklers!

4th of July:

fireworks (always CRAZY) in St. Regis

after church in Superior, MT where we doubled the branch

We certainly love our extended family and it is always a blast when we all get together. It is crazy to see everyone getting older, having kids of their own and moving on with their lives. Although it is still fun, each year will never be the same as the last.

That's the circle of life.