Fernandez Family of Five: Trip to Lebanon, Tennessee

On Thursday, June 25th we headed up to Lebanon, Tennessee for a reunion with my mom's side of the family. They have a reunion every two years but I had not been in 6 years. It was neat to see everyone. There were over 80 family members there. We stayed at Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Cabins. We had a great time.

On the way up to Tennessee we caravaned with my sister's family. My sisters, Kim and Kathryn and my nephew Jonathon rode with Regan, Riley and I. And Tony and Reece rode with my brother-in-law; Jeff, and niece, Katie. Reece was so excited to ride up with cousin Katie. She adores Katie. She followed her around all weekend.

This was our view at the rest area where we ate lunch. It was a very nice place to picnic.

I love the look Reece is giving Uncle Jeff

We headed to the pool as soon as we got unpacked.

Reece putting her face in the water

The girls relaxing on the sofa with their Aunt Kate.

Reece LOVES her cousin Katie. She followed her around all weekend.

Reece coloring with her Uncle Jeff

The state park we were at had horseback riding. We went on a 50 min. trail ride. Reece rode with Daddy, Riley rode with me, and Regan rode by herself. We were so proud of the girls. This was their first time on a horse and we really did not think they would do it. We were especially proud of Regan riding by herself. She got the only female horse, Lena, and was told she was very good. But, her horse was very hungry and made riding her very difficult. She kept stopping to eat and would take Regan off the trail into the bushes/trees to eat. Regan was pulling back on the reigns as tight as she could but the horse was much stronger. Regan did a great job but eventually got frustrated. I don't blame her because her horse was stopping alot. So, the trail leader got off her horse and asked Regan if she wanted to swap horses. Regan said, "Yes!" which surprised us because the lead horse was rather big. But, Regan got up on the other horse, Peanut, and did great on him and he was very well behaved. Riley and Reece also did well. They would not let Tony and I have control of the reigns. They wanted to guide the horses by themselves. The horses were so tame that there was not much guiding to do but they still felt like they were in control. It was a fun adventure!

Regan mounting her horse, Lena.

There was a kitten at the barn that the girls loved.

Riley and I riding BB

Daddy and Reece riding Cleatis

Grandpa riding Willy

My Dad and Tony played in a Corn Toss competition. They were pretty good but did not win.

My niece, Katie, sang a beautiful solo "For This I Pray." She has a gorgeous voice! I was upset I did not have my camera that makes videos or I would have posted a video of her singing.

My Aunt and Uncle will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary this November so the family gave them a cake, roses, and my Dad and Mom got up and spoke about them. It was very neat. Happy 50th Anniversary Aunt Betty and Uncle Sid!

Our first cousins. We have not all been together in over 15 years. It was so good to see cousins Sidney, Cynthia and Liz.

All the second cousins. Katie, Laura, Jacob, Fiona, Sarah, Jonathon, Regan, Claire, Reece, Nieve and Riley. It was so fun to see all these kids together - well most of them are not kids anymore. 3 of the second cousins were not able to attend.

The last night of the reunion we always square dance and line dance. It was a blast! I have not danced in so long and I enjoyed doing the Electric Slide, Macarena, Boot Scootin' Boogie, YMCA, Hokie Pokie, Chicken Dance to name a few. Even Tony square danced with his daughters. That shows how great a daddy Tony is. Tony hates to dance and won't dance with me but when he saw that his daughters did not have a partner he could not say no. What a daddy will do for his little girls!!!! Funny story - on our way to the dance my sister, Kathryn and Tony were talking about how much he does not like to dance. My sister was trying to convince him that square dancing is fun. He then told her that it would be like him dragging her to a bacon contest and telling her to eat bacon because it is awesome (she is a vegetarian). She laughed and said, "Ok, you have a good point." After Tony danced, Kathryn came up to him and praised him for dancing with his girls. He then replied, "Now it is your turn to eat bacon!" Kathryn did not go for that! :) My sisters videotaped Tony and the girls dancing and wanted to post it here on the blog but I told them that would definitely encourage him never to dance again. So, sorry the video will not be posted! He was smiling while he was dancing though and seemed to be having a good time eventhough he won't admit it! Love you Tony!!!! :)

I loved this photo of my parents

Trying out a new dance - I love the looks on their faces!

Riley dancing with her cousin Nieve. They had a great time together.

My precious nephew, Jonathon. We found this swing outside the church and tried to pose him on it but he was signing that he was tired. Probably tired of photos. :)