Reunion Two, Jean Vial and family

My dad is pretty excited about getting his 5 son's and their families together once a year. Typically it has occurred at the Oregon Coast, although we have gathered in Montana, the Willamette Valley and other locations from time to time. We have had a yearly gathering for about 30 years however, and it is a really good tradition. Over the years my mom was really the manager/organizer, and after she passed away in 1987 I was worried what would happen. However, dad's wife Leslie has stepped up in a grand way, and the tradition is stronger than ever. Her two children Mario and Galena are just like siblings to the rest of us.

This year Leslie got 10 campsites all adjacent to one another at Bullards Beach State Park in Bandon, Oregon. This was one of my folks favorite places to go when we were young, and it brought back great memories.

Attending were:


Alicia and her husband Tucker, attending his first Vial family reunion!


Chuong with his wife Liyan, daughter Eva, and son's Victor and Felix.


My brother Dave and his wife Eva.


No one else from his family!


My brother Jeff from Montana with wife Lynn, and son's Clark (recently back from Vermont and headed to BYU Hawaii next month), Jacob, Phillip and Scott.


My brother John with his wife Anna, and Devin (soon bound for Mexico on a mission) and daughter Aubrey.


My brother Mike with his wife Christine and son Sam (Moose).


Nic was there with his clan, including wife Hailey and daughter's Kennedy, Sierra, Bree and Ava.

Nate and Kevin were also there, but somehow didn't get their pictures, but did get Nate's wife Caitlin with their new Doberman/Rottweiler puppy Paisley.


This dog is destined to become very large. Hope she stays as sweet as she is now.


Grandpa Vial with Leslie, Galena and Mario.


Mario (with just one more year left at Harvard law school!), Angie and Joshua.


Galena with her friend? Brian. Pretty good guy. You have to be tough to get by the Vial boys!


Dad Vial with Mario, Jeff, Mike, Dave, John and me.


And just about the whole crew!

We walked, ate, hung out and played games. Uncle Dave and Aunt Eva were in charge of games.


Felix pulling the ear on a very big Maxfield the dog. (Of Galena and Brian).


Studying for his mission? Naw.

Ok now for the mystery critter for this post. Another bird, seen in Bullards Beach State Park. It's name is very intuitive based upon it's appearance.


The games involved various things that you wouldn't know until you sent your representative.

Like the biggest mouth.


Brian won, with CC a close second.


Earlier in the day, Aubrey earned her Junior Camper prize with her participation in the bike parade.


As usual, this was a pretty chill event, with lot's of time to just talk with one another.



The usual rivalry's were present, but certainly the one that concerned us the most was this possible throw down.


The competition was fierce at the game night however, and emotions were high.


Who could draw the best whale? ??


Paula and Leslie celebrate a temporary win.


An unexpected defeat surprised Paula as Anna defeated her in arm wrestling after coaching by Alicia.


And the winning team celebrates!


This twinkie seemed to be pretty well stocked up for the long ride home.

Until next year!!!!!!!!