Hatcher Family Reunion

A couple of weekends ago (sorry it's been so long since the last post), we had our annual Hatcher Family Reunion. This is my mom's mom side of the family. It's actually the only family reunion I go to and we go every year. Jason and I have only missed one in the past 15 years (we were on a mission trip to Africa). This was the 2nd year we had it in Pine Mountain, GA - usually it's in Albany, GA (where my grandmother and her 10 brothers and sisters grew up).

My parents and the 3 of us headed out on Thursday afternoon for the 6 hour drive. I couldn't believe all the stuff we had packed - the back of our SUV was FULL. We even had a portable potty seat just in case we were on a back road and Brody had to go. I guess I forgot that I would be needing to stop quite often as well so we didn't really need the seat.

Each family rents a house and we are all right there together, so it's a great time to catch up on what's been going on the past year. On Friday, we headed out to the Animal Safari there in Pine Mtn. There were 21 of us and we rented a 15 passenger open aired bus for us. We were PACKED in but it was a lot of fun. This safari is a 3 1/2 mile drive with all types of animals coming right up to the vehicle sticking their head in to get some food from you. There were elk, water buffalo, cows, steer, deer, pigs, and zebras. Brody wasn't too keen on the whole idea at the beginning which is why he sat in the middle. He didn't like the BIG animals with their long tongues. By the end he eventually fed a few animals - a zebra and a deer. They also have a petting zoo which we walked around afterwards and fed some of our leftover food to. There were bears, hyenas, lions, boars, and a talking bird. We were able to get closer to these animals then you can in our zoos. This animal safari was definitely one of the coolest things we had done.

The cozy van we all rode in.

Brody sitting in the middle because we knew he wouldn't be so wild about the animals in the beginning.
My cousin's husband - CRAZY!!!

Doesn't this tongue look great!! Just what you want touching you!

This is one HUGE water buffalo posing for a picture.

Finally Brody getting brave to feed a few animals.


This is the entrance to the petting zoo.

The smaller animals were more Brody's style.

On Saturday, we had our family meal at The Bulloch Restaurant in Warm Springs, GA. This is where the people who don't stay for the weekend just come and eat and are able to socialize with everyone for a little while. We had about 100 family members there, so it was a great time.

My Aunt Dee (mom's sister) and Uncle Billy (Uncle BB which is what Brody calls him), surprised us at the restaurant by showing up. We didn't know they were coming. It was a great surprise.

The 1st cousins - they come from GA, KY, and CA. It was great to have them all there.

This is Dillon, one of Brody's cousins, they are only 3 days apart so we get a picture of them together every year.

Always having to play golf.

Later that evening we went over to Butts Mill Farm near where we stayed. This is a outdoor fun zone for kids. Brody loved the swing and just being able to run around with total freedom. We left on Sunday for our 6 hour journey back. Thank goodness Brody slept about 2 hours of the trip back. It was a great weekend but exhausting!!


One tired pregnant girl.