Mack Mountain Weekend version 5.0

In 2013 we started a tradition of having spring family reunions in the mountains, sometimes for noteworthy celebrations (like Dad's 60th, or Mom's 60th, or this past one for Dad's retirement!), other times just because it's a great halfway point for us all to be together and we miss each other. We missed 2016, but otherwise we have made this an annual trip that is the highlight of the spring.

2013

2014

2015

2017

The more kiddos we have added to the family, the more impossible it has become to get group photos of the whole gang!  I know it's Mother's Day today, and I hope to blog about that topic soon, but today's post is about last weekend's trip, so it is actually all about my Dad.

After forty years at Berstorff, my Dad retired at the beginning of April as well respected, distinguished leader and expert in the plastic engineering industry.  We are all so proud of his accomplished career and the many awards, publications, and accolades he has received over the years.  What is equally remarkable is how he managed to always make time for our family and showed us the value of a hard work ethic while also balancing time spent together (see above beach adventure as one of many happy childhood examples).  Thanks, Dad, for setting the bar so high and congratulations on your retirement, you have absolutely earned it.  We spent the weekend celebrating and doing some of Dad's favorite things like painting, wildlife observation, and hiking.

A new ride for the retiree

Like Opa, like granddaughter- Avid Nature Enthusiasts

Art time

The weekend had lots of other fun built in, like a riveting round of mini golf, watching the Kentucky Derby, visiting playgrounds, cousin time, and exploring the Smokies.  For more pictures (in a more impressive blog format, checkout Claudia's blog).

The house, and views, were amazing.  It is always so much fun to see Kate, Luke, and Hannah reunited and the sweet relationships that are forming as they get older.  It was a great way to kickoff the beginning of Dad's retirement, I'm already looking forward to many more family weekends to come!