WHAT: The Gamboa Reunion
WHO: All 6 of the OG (Original Gamboa) kids, Lola A, assorted grandkids, 2 great-grands, and some friends
WHEN: 05 - 12 July 2009
WHERE: Hays, Kansas
WHY: Needed a formal excuse to snap 8 million pictures
In a last minute decision, Olivienne and I flew from Seattle to Hays, Kansas. Lola Susan and Lolo Ed were there hosting a reunion for the Gamboa side of the family. The reason for our trip was 2-fold. One, we don't get to make it out there very often to see Lolo Ed since he's forever working, and two, it was a rare opportunity to see all the Gamboa aunts and uncle, as well as my grandmother all at once. Olivienne has never met her Great-grandma Aurora, or Lola A as we call her. In Tagalog, her title is 'Lola sa Tuhod', literally meaning, 'Grandmother on the Knee'. I have no earthly idea why it's called that.... At any rate, we didn't know when this opportunity to see the whole family would come up again, and for all of them to see each other and also meet the baby was a chance we just couldn't miss.
As a surprise to the family, only my mom, dad and brother knew about our arrival. After landing in Kansas City, Ran, Livvy and I made the long 4+ hour drive to Hays. Even though we were all weary from an exhausting trip, Olivienne was all smiles when we walked into the house. Laughter, hugs, flashes from cameras, and surprised welcomes were passed all around!
As for who's who in the pictures, click on the tree below to view the attending clan (note that the OG's are not listed in birth order):
It was quite a memorable few days. And even though Olivienne isn't old enough to remember it, we'll have countless pictures to show her these shared good times!
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