Cabins 2010

I was getting ready to do a summary of "The Cabins" for 2010, when I received an email from Mom detailing our week. She did such a wonderful job, I just decided to cut and paste it here. Thanks Mom!!


This is a synopsis of the Mulder Family Week at Platte Lake - 2010.While we had a wonderful time the Vermont and Texas Mulder's were greatly missed. 1. The tradition of family olympics was established and the triathlon included bean bag toss, croquet and bocce ball. Ties were broken with an spectacular canoe race, made even more exciting when one canoe tipped over just short of the finish line robbing Cliff and Brenda of first place for their division. 2. Craig brought a white board which was kept by the picnic area to record important info such as the days activities, menu, weather report and the update on the olympic wins and losses. A super idea. 3. We had two week long visitors, Bea's father, Joe and Laurel's friend, Tommy. Enjoyed having both of them with us. 4. Kevin continued with his educational forum, this time introducing us to the various liquors, vodka, scotch, whiskey, etc, etc, - I think about 8 all together. As he explained the history, the method of production, etc. we (all legal age adults) got a taste of each. Only a very small taste. Thanks, Kevin, for a very informative evening. We now have covered ice creams and beers and spirits - how about cheeses or breads ? 5. This was the year of the infamous canoe trip. I have heard several versions of who suggested that "we do something different" - however from my viewpoint I heard no one say, "lets just do Platte River again" so I think all share equal blame in the adventure that followed. As a non-participant I deducted that the majority of the time was spent portaging due to shallow water and debris clogged waterways. The two most memorable statements are Kathi comparing it to giving birth and Bryan swearing off any more canoeing ever. I also heard that Phil is winner of the eternal optimist award. I am glad someone kept a positive attitude. 6.This year it became evident that Grandma is no longer up to taking responsibility for a meal, even with help from Jessie and Bryan. That meal will now become the grandchildrens meal and will be coordinated by Jessie and Bryan - this was a unanimous decision by the parent generation. The menu can be whatever this group decides. As for Grandma's role in the meals perhaps I can purchase whatever is needed to supplement left over night. 7. We did attempt to find another week during the summer when the Vermont Mulder's could join us but getting all four cabins the same week was not a possibility. The current plan is to look into some of the lodges that are available in the state parks - perhaps one in more central Mi. some sleep quite large numbers, have indoor plumbing and kitchenettes. We are thinking of an October or early Nov. long week end when it would be fun to hike (maybe even canoe?), have campfires, etc. This would be in addition to our Platte Lake week. More info to follow - this would not happen until 2011 - maybe we can find a time when Keith and Lisa could also be there. 8. The date of December 29 and 30 is when we plan to have ALL the Mulder's in attendance. A lot more info on that to come. 9 One suggestion I have for future years at the cabins. I would like to see us have a short time of reflection before our evening meal. It is so easy for us to just start "digging in" when the food arrives and there is never a real beginning to the meal time. This could just be silence, a short poem or mediation, etc. It could be done by the family serving the meal or someone else. It should not be long and should be done at the time the meal is to be served - no waiting for stragglers. Much love to a super family. Mom