Vegas Pictures from Marc & Katie

Las Vegas 2012

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that participated in this years reunion down in sunny Las Vegas.  We had a lot of fun playing at Lake Mead.  Thanks to Cory and Dad for providing the boats.  Joshua's baptism was very nice and very well attended.  Congratulations Joshua, we are very proud of you!  Thanks to everyone who prepared meals and to Becky and Cory for letting us stay in your homes and play in your pools.  A special thanks to Becky for planning this years reunion.  Next year Becky and I will be planning it and it may be too early, but if you guys have thoughts about where you might want to get together next year let us know in the comments.

We were so busy swimming and playing in the water that we didn't take a single picture during the reunion!  If you guys have pictures please post them, or send them to me so I can post them.  Thanks again to everyone!

Reunion Auction

The reunion is coming up fast and there has been some discussion on possibly changing some of the ways we do things for the reunion, more specifically, the auction.  I wanted to present some of the ideas that we have been tossing around and see what everyone thinks about them so here it goes.

In our most recent discussion, we came up with some Pros and Cons of the auction.  Here is a brief list of what we came up with:


Pros

• Raises money
• Fun
• We get to make fun things, offer services, etc.

Cons

• Auctions do better with larger groups
• People don't bid on things they aren't interested in
• Not everyone brings items to auction
• Not everyone bids
• Possibility for hurt feelings
• No Money=No Fun (not everyone has disposable funds)

There are probably more pros and cons that aren't listed, but these are the ones that I remember from our discussion.

We came up with a different way of doing things that might reduce the number of cons.

• Have a Family Raffle instead of an Auction
• People can still bring crafts and items they may have been preparing for the auction and we will do a raffle instead.
• Each person will have 1 ticket in the drawing and there will be an equal number of prizes and participants.
• There is no financial tie to the raffle.  Everyone gets to participate for free.
• Everyone will be entered into a "Grand Prize" drawing.
• Kids Raffle with kid items (so kids don't get adult times and vice versa).  If we plan right we can just alternate 1 adult item then 1 kid item and have to jars to draw from.
• Fundraising will be done separately through anonymous donations
• Everyone will receive a blank envelope and can donate whatever they can/want.
• There can be a donation box to collect the funds.  
• People can discreetly drop their envelopes/donations
• Possibly conserve funds and have a larger reunion every few years
• Maybe have smaller, less expensive reunions for 2-3 years.
• Activities that are more expensive can be done every few years.

These are just ideas (despite my wording) and they are open for discussion.  I hope everyone will take some time to think about it and contribute you ideas.  I think we all love getting together and having these reunions, but they do cost money (especially some activities).  I would love to see us be able to raise funds year after year so that we can continue to do some of these exciting and fun actives.

Reunion 2012

This year's reunion is scheduled for July 26-28. We're planning to have the reunion here in Las Vegas. Joe and I should have most of our apartments vacant, and so we'll be able to house everyone who comes down (which we hope is everyone). These are our tentative plans:

Thursday--we figure most people will be traveling the first part of the day. Loose plans for Thursday night include the Bellagio fountains and garden, and snapping a family picture by the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

Friday--Lake Mead, boating and beach time.

Saturday--Misc. morning activities. Joshua's baptism is at three o'clock (we're excited to incorporate his baptism into our reunion). After the baptism we'll head back to Cory's for pool time and a barbecue. We'll also have our auction and meeting that evening.

If anyone has suggestions or problems, please let Jason or me know. Also, please remember to plan to bring items for our auction. I realize times are tough for everyone, but please also come prepared to participate in the auction so we can replenish our reunion fund.

We're super excited for the reunion. It is a blessing to all be together, even if it's only for a couple days.

Steed Reunion 2012

I know this may be a little soon and I'm okay with that.  In looking at this upcoming year we have tentative dates already.  I wanted to post this on the website to see if these dates would work for people.  We are thinking of August 15 - 18.  I'll see if I can figure out how to post a poll to get some feedback.  Any comments will gladly be welcomed.

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A few pictures...

If you have any pictures you can contribute, just get them to me (Ryan) so I can post them.

Thanks.

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Thoughts from the 2011 Reunion Business Meeting

• We want to continue to have the reunion annually.  We realize there may be some years that not all families can attend, but hopefully it will be a priority to be there.


• We will have the auction every year.  Families should plan accordingly to both contribute as well as budget for purchases.  It was given as a suggestion that each family plan to contribute $100 worth of items, and plan to spend that much at the auction.


• Rotating responsibility for planning the reunion will continue, as the variety of planning and activities is appreciated.


• We talked about doing "big" reunion in a few years.  Ideas included a cruise, a week at Pinecrest, etc.


• Mom and Dad enjoy the reunions and would like to see them continue.  Indeed, all of us in attendance enjoyed the reunion this year and share the same sentiments.

What are your thoughts?

Head Count

Hi Everyone,

We need to know how many people are going to be at the reunion so everyone can plan their meals.  Please comment on this post and tell us how many from your family will be at the reunion.  Thanks.

2011 Reunion Update

Basics

The 2011 Steed Family Reunion is quickly approaching and its time to finalize some details.  We have reserved a campground at the Heber Valley Camp that is owned by the Church.  Our camp is the Esther 4 camp.  Our reservation includes 3 yurts that each sleep 16 people and a covered cooking station complete with propane stoves (propane provided) and refrigerator.  There will be restrooms available including showers.  Please review the camps "rules" page here.  Below are a few important highlights that you will want to know:

• No check-in before 2:00 PM on Thursday Sept. 1st


• Checkout is at 5:00 PM Saturday Sept. 3rd


• No Pets


• No Tents


• If you want to shower bring towels and shower stuff


• Bring your own sleeping pad and bedding.  It is in the mountains so bring enough to keep warm


• Closed toed shoes should be worn.

Meals

We are working with a limited budget this year so we have decided to divide responsibilities for meals among those attending.  Each family will be asked to provide and prepare a meal for everyone.  Please bring any kitchen items you will need to prepare your meal.  Plates, bowls, cups, silverware and napkins will be provided. For this to work, we need to know if you are coming for sure or not, what days you will be there, etc.  Please respond to this blog post to let us know if you are coming and what meal you would like to be in charge of.  The needs are listed below:

• Thursday Dinner


• Friday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner


• Saturday Breakfast and Lunch


• Snacks

Activities

We were thinking it would be good to do an auction this year.  Let us know what your thoughts are about having one this year in the comments.  Be thinking of things you can auction off.

We have been talking about doing some Minute To Win It games.  If you have any ideas or want to volunteer any other games, crafts or activities leave a comment and let us know.  We are thinking about doing some sort of service project.  If you have any ideas about that let us know.

Hiking trails are another options for good fun entertainment so be prepared to maybe do some kind of little excursion.

We are excited to see everyone and have a fun reunion.  Thanks ahead of time for your support and participation.

Family Reunion 2011

Set the date for September 1-3! We will be headed to the Heber Valley Campground. Check out the website www.hebervalleycamp.org.  We are going to be in Esther camp #4.  You can see a map HERE.

& get excited!

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