This past weekend, we had one of the Gourley reunions here in Clear Lake. We had a great surprise too, because Tim's brother Jeff and his wife, Jennifer came up from Austin, TX to join us for it, which we weren't expecting. They made it into town on Thursday evening and we had a chance to catch up and chat for a while, just family.
On Friday, the Gourley gals and family started coming into town. All were staying at the Best Western Holiday Lodge here in Clear Lake. We headed over there on Friday afternoon and caught up with some of the family. We then caravaned out to Dick and Genie Johnson's house in Tanglefoot on the lake. They had a GREAT spread of food and we all enjoyed each other's company that evening.
Saturday morning, the guys all headed to the lake for a boat ride and then The Other Place for lunch, while the gals went to the Rose Cottage Tea Room. The gals then went to Mason City to the Frank Lloyd Wright house and did some other shopping, before our big cookout. I was able to keep my surprise a secret and pulled off Tim's surprise 50th birthday, with 50 decorated cupcakes in the shape of 50. He was completely surprised and vowed to get me back..ha ha.
I think I counted over 50 members of the family in the Gourley portrait (thanks to Jeff for his photography all weekend) and that wasn't counting everyone that was there. The evening, I think, was a great hit and fun was had by all, especially Tori's boys who discovered the fireworks in our garage.
Sunday morning, everyone headed to Phyllis's house for coffee, rolls and doughnuts before heading back home. It was a terrific weekend and I was sorry that not everyone could make it, but those who did I think had a great time.
