Every two years my Spendlove family descends on some random spot in the United States. Usually these places require an extra explanation regarding why 50 aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents are trekking across the country to spend a week in such a place as New Mexico or Dallas in July, the remote mountains in Arizona or, this year, the somewhat "down-scale" town of Crossville, Tennessee. The answer is simple. There are so many of us using the same resort condos, we have to go where no one else wants to be. Thank goodness for this randomness! It has turned out that we have had the most interesting vacations all across America and bonded as a family in the process. I never would have booked a trip to Branson, Missouri before I was retired, spent my 4th of July at a ski resort in Colorado or joined the masses of America at Disney World during the busiest week of the summer, but I know that I am better for it! This year our reunion began in Great Smokey Mountain National Park. We then spent our days hiking to waterfalls and swimming in the pools below, picnicking in the mountains and exploring Appalachian culture. 
At the resort we swam in the lake, played in the game rooms and paddle boated.
With our extended family we enjoyed all of our usual traditions, such as family photos, the candy bar game, the family potluck dinner and the much awaited family auction where everyone bids monopoly money for all sorts of items that family members donate from either their goodwill piles or from stashes that they pick up at a local dollar shop. This is truly the highlight for the children. Sophia and Annelise were so excited about three dresses that they were able to win, along with videos and scrapbooks and Ezra was especially proud of a package of Spiderman underwear that Grandma and Grandpa picked up at Target with him in mind. 
When we heard about a ten story tree house that a religious zealot built in the nearby backwoods, we decided that we couldn't leave without taking a tour. Apparently the builder, who is a minister, was told by God to build a tree house. He has created a labyrinth supported by six huge trees. There are about eighty rooms around a chapel that includes a pulpit, choir chairs, stained glass windows and a basketball hoop. (The hoop made me wonder if the minister has possibly attended a Mormon stake conference!) There was also a lawn chair that was gerry-rigged into a swing with a huge span, since it was ropped onto the top of the house. We held on tight to our children's hands and never let them out of our sight because apparently there are some huge loopholes in the building codes in the backwoods of Tennessee. After wandering around this curious structure, I googled it and found that it was listed on several great American road trips sites. I too agree that if you are in the area, it is a must see!
As always, the reunion turned out to be a huge success. I took notes all along, since I am in charge of our next gathering which will be in 2013.
