Sadly, the family reunion weekend is over. There were so many people to see, so much food to eat, and music to play. It was time to go home long before I was ready. I’d like to thank everyone that volunteered their time, their music, their cooking, their homes and their love so that we could all get together and have a great time. What a great time we had. Playing music in my parent’s (Larry and Samie Craddock) basement. Razzing each other as we played cards at Joe and Debbie’s house. Visiting with loved ones at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha. I’m sad it is over.

I know that I had a wonderful time, even if I was forced to wear a Pink shirt the entire time. Playing music with my high school band mates was a personal highlight. We may all have gained a hundred pounds since then but let me tell you, we still rocked like no time had passed.

The pitch tournament was a blast, despite the fact that I nearly ruined everything by accidentally bringing pinochle cards. I’m sure I won’t live that down anytime soon. Lynne tried to get a picture of me with one of those decks of cards. I’m curious to see if she has the nerve to post that picture online, ha. I didn’t fare so well in the tournament. I went 3 and 3. Joe Craddock and Rodney Craddock both won all 6 games. The trophy came down to points of which Uncle Joe had 3 more.

On Sunday, we all headed to Chickasha to the family reunion. As I believe I have mentioned before the reunion has been held every year for over 60 years. I had a great time talking to family I hadn’t met before as well as those that I hadn’t seen in a long time. Come to think of it, I also enjoyed the company of those who I see all the time. Most everyone brought a dish and the food was excellent. After we ate Bob Craddock got on stage and filled us all in on our shared heritage. You can count on me posting those stories here in the next few weeks. Before it was time to go home, several of us got up and picked at the guitar and sang a few songs. For me the reunion can’t be over until I hear a duet from Dan and BJ Craddock.

I think we all had a great time and I’m already looking forward to next year. Aunt Ada and Aunt Debbie have managed to reserve a pavilion at Fort Cobb lake next year which we will either use for the Pitch tournament or the family reunion depending on how a few things work out.

I hope the rest of you had as good of a time as I did. Be sure to comment below and tell us your favorite moment of the reunion weekend. I’d really appreciate hearing from you.

As a compassionate person who has no intention of causing heart ache and emotional pain to others, I feel compelled to caution all of you who are planning on playing pitch at the upcoming tournament to stay home or watch from the side lines. My victory will more than likely be so overwhelming that many of you will be near tears by the time the competition, if it can be called that, is over. Watching, very well, may be more enjoyable to you than playing. You may receive a little taunting from myself and the other players for sitting out, but I promise that will be more pleasant than seeing each game played against me end with you having a negative score.

As it stands now we are expecting around 30 people attending and nearly 20 playing pitch. I appreciate all of you who have let me know that you are coming and what you intend to bring. Any of you that haven’t let me know, please do so. You can see who has committed to bring what here. After much consideration we have decided that the pitch tournament this year should be an adult get together only. Of course all the kiddos are welcome at the Family Reunion the next day at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha. If anyone is going to have a problem finding someone to watch the kids please let me know and I’ll see what I can do to help.

The time for your defeat is very near. I look forward to visiting with those of you attending and watching you pitch players out there sweat when you find yourself at the same table with me.