Laughlin, NV
We know how fortunate we are to come from a small town, to have friends we've known for decades, to have the opportunity to see them every year.
It is especially sweet since our little town no longer exists. And the pumping plant village where I lived 50 miles away is now closed to the public. The fact that every year up to 100 of us get together in Laughlin, NV, is so unique. Not just classmates and their spouses (many who are also classmates), but several of our former teachers, and even a few parents.
We arrive Tuesday afternoon to Riverside RV Park to stay for week. Friends start arriving on Thursday and we all meet for dinner and brews to kick off our weekend. The River Walk is quiet and we all enjoy hanging out by the water under the full moon.
 |
| The moon rises quickly |
 |
| Jimmy, Coy, Bill, Rennie, Donnie |
 |
| Janet, Pam, Sonya, Patty, Stacy, Cheryl |
The day heats up fast and I end up hanging out at home doing absolutely nothing all by myself. Lovely.
We head to the Edgewater Casino for the Meet-and-Greet around 6 PM.
 |
| Nine years of year books and a sadly growing list of those we've lost |
 |
| Me, Donnie, Stacy, Chris, Connie |
 |
| Bill's doppleganger, Kenny, and photo-bomber Patty |
 |
| Guess who? |
 |
| Neither of us were drinking - really!! |
Saturday morning Donnie and Anna walk up to join us for second cup, and soon there's a knock on the door. Cyndee was also out for a morning walk and found our rig - by the duct tape on the windshield!! Such a classy look :-)
The day flies by visiting by the pool and soon it's time to get ready for the reunion dinner.
Even more people are in attendance, including one of my very best high school friends who I haven't seen since 1975.
 |
| We love getting to see Danny each year, but seeing his sister Kathy after 40 years is a special treat!! |
 |
| Oldest and youngest |
 |
| Teacher and student sharing photos |
 |
| Classmates who haven't seen each other in 45 years getting caught up - Coy and Steve |
 |
| Mr and Mrs Brenniese, Mrs and Mr Sparkman, Coach Finton, Mr McDowell - our teachers |
 |
| 18 from classes 1967-1979 who attended K-12 at Eagle Mountain |
 |
| We all had a wonderful time! |
 |
| Woohoo, sealed nice and tight! |
I find a medical lab in nearby Bullhead City, AZ, where I can get some overdue blood tests done and my Monday morning appointment is a quick in-and-out. The cost is very reasonable so not being able to use my California-based health insurance is not an issue. Nice to get that off my list :-)
We run a few more errands and spend a relaxing afternoon at home. Tuesday morning we'll return to Williams for an overnight stop.
It was another wonderful gathering of lifetime friends, something we treasure more and more each year.
This is just so wonderful that people whose town was taken away make such an effort to get together and stay connected. I lived in the same house for 10 years, went to 5 different schools, redistricting in a growing suburb, and was constantly moved from the friends I made. The result, I have no connection to that time of of my life. Hats off to you all.
ReplyDeleteIt is rare indeed, your story is certainly the more common one. None of the spouses have a similar experience with their high school friends. It truly is wonderful :-)
DeleteWhat fun for sure! Nice to be able to get together and see each other. There's just something about getting together with "old" friends.
ReplyDeleteYep, so fun to "relive" those memories - especially as we laugh about all the good ones!
DeleteA great place to have a reunion.
ReplyDeleteIt's worked for us for ten years now, although it's always really hot at least one of the days we're here :-(
DeleteHow fun to have a small group to keep up with all these years later! Nice times for sure. Glad to be catching back up on your blog. Are you headed back to CA to visit family? Where to next?
ReplyDeleteIt really is so great! We're off to Utah, then Colorado, Wyoming and Montana for the summer
DeleteHow wonderful to keep those friendships through time and distance and life changes. Not so common, as you know! So fun to see the photos of your celebrations. I wonder if any of your friends will join you on the road? :-))
ReplyDeleteNot fulltime, but three couples are getting a rig this year for road trips together next year :-)
DeleteHow fun to catch up with so many friends. I am sure they are curious if not envious of you life style. The duct tape seems to have stood up to the elements pretty well.
ReplyDeleteThey love what we're doing, most say they're very envious :-) Yep, duct tape is king!!
DeleteBoy, they can take the residents out of the community, but they can't take the community out of the residents. This is so cool, Jodee. :)
ReplyDeleteWell said. That little town is inside all of us :-)
DeleteYou can see the wonderful time everyone was having in all the wide smiles and laughs:) How nice that the teachers return, also. Your reunions are so unique with the town no longer there. Great long lasting friendships.
ReplyDeleteYahoo!! A new windshield!!
And we even got to our second stop with everything still intact!
Delete