Last weekend was the annual Malone Thanksgiving – the 5th since I started blogging (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
There was a twist this year. After a decade of gathering at the Hurst household, as our community has grown by marriage and birth, it seemed like a change of venue was in order. Thanks to the searching labors of a few friends, we decided on the Tara Lodge in Hocking Hills outside of Columbus. The place was amazing: 7 bedrooms, HD projector theater system, ping pong tables, pool table, darts, karaoke set-up complete w/ guitars, huge yard, hiking trails, hot tub, and on and on. Basically an amazing place for us to gather.
Here are some pictures from the weekend.
And some videos.
Like every year, there were some dear friends who weren’t able to make it and they were missed, but a good time was had by all as we reconnected, shared the things we were most thankful for in the last year, and chatted about the future. With more and more kids being born into this community of friends, this was the first year that we really started thinking about what this gathering will be like when it’s our kids, and not us, who are most excited about playing the annual football game. Weird to think about.
These continue to be some of the most important and special people in my life making this one of my most looked forward to weekends of the year.
Gretchen(Sean's Mom) said...
1Thanks JR…this was so fun to watch and now we understand what Sean means when he says he's going to the Malone Thanksgiving. What a great group of people.
11/27/09 3:43 AM | Comment Link
jrrozko said...
2Cool. Happy to.
11/27/09 5:25 AM | Comment Link
Beth Kostur said...
3Hey JR – very impressive! I love Malone traditions! Recognized a few faces but names are fading since I've been gone so long now… Glad you had a good time, hope you enjoyed your first married Thanksgiving!
11/29/09 1:46 PM | Comment Link
jrrozko said...
4Hey Beth. Maybe this will help – http://twitpic.com/ri2mx/full
11/29/09 9:47 PM | Comment Link
gretchen hurst said...
5We missed you this yr., but know you have definitely outgrown the Hurst house. It's been great fun to see the pictures. We continue to be amazed at the continued closeness of the Malone group of friends–sticking together in times of joy and also through the storms of life. We love you all and are so thankful that Ryan and Heather have such an incredible group of supportive friends. Hurst hugs all around.
02/22/10 5:29 PM | Comment Link
jrrozko said...
6Besides my wife, the presence and power of this community of friends is probably my most treasured gift in life. Too few people get to experience what is so easy for me to take for granted. Thank you for your years of hospitality.
02/22/10 5:47 PM | Comment Link