The Tom Helbling family gathers at Sportsman’s Park, rural Clearwater, Minnesota. This is just a small portion of the group.
IN THE BUSYNESS of a family reunion—between the food and the kids running here and there and the reconnecting—it is the moments which define a gathering.
As Meghan helps her Great Uncle Marty open his birthday gift, the two exchange an endearing look.
Rare one-on-one conversations, a look exchanged,
Cousins Beth, left, and Keira pause for a photo while looking for a tree to climb. They never found one they could both ascend.
friendships reforged… all matter.
The sweet hand of my 18-month-old great nephew, Aston, as he naps in his stroller.
These are moments that imprint upon the memory, that seal the bonds of family.
The family patriarch, Tom, and his wife, Jan, admire Corey’s bike, but could not be persuaded to take a spin.
This past Saturday the Tom and Betty Helbling family, those who could make it, reunited at a park near Clearwater. Many came from nearby while others drove from Michigan, North Dakota and other points south and west in Minnesota.
Celebrating the birthdays of three family members.
Some were missing, including members of my family from Boston, eastern Wisconsin and St. Paul. Noticeably absent was the brother currently serving in Afghanistan and his wife and son back home in Missouri.
My brother-in-law, Marty, opens his “old fart” birthday gift.
The older I grow, the more I appreciate these reunions with my husband’s family.
I was attempting to photograph my great niece, Katherine, trying on her mom’s sunglasses. I finally got that shot. But I also got this one, my favorite for the loving look exchanged between the two.
And the more I find the children so absolutely endearing.
Bennett plops down and plays with his truck and matchbox vehicles among the coolers.
The ball diamond proved a popular spot for the little ones like my great niece, Meghan.
Girl cousins snug up to a kid-sized picnic table to create art.
They bring joy and smiles and a thankfulness for the blessing of this next generation.
Cousins Meghan, left, Beth and Keira bond over artwork.
It is my hope the kids will remember the importance of family and of these reunions.
My great nephew, Cameron, covers third base.
Perhaps they will recall scooping balls from a dusty field, tossing pebbles on the slide, creating art on a child-size picnic table, scaling trees and more.
Quiet time drawing with cousins.
I will remember their preciousness, the little legs that raced, the hands that drew, the cuteness factor.
Marty, with his birthday gift bottle of whiskey, sports his out-law t-shirt.
I consider how the years fly by and suddenly I am the one with (dyed) grey hair sitting elbow-to-elbow with my brother-in-law who sports a red “out-law” shirt.
A teaching moment for my niece, Kristina, and her son, Aston.
Where has time gone?
Abandoning the ball field…
And why don’t the women who married Helbling brothers have “out-law” shirts or sashes or something?
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Drink it all in – enjoy every moment – savor every memory. Wonderful series of photos and accompanying your story.
Thank you, Dan. And I agree, savor every memory and moment.
Nice memories were made this day.
Yes, they were.
I’m so blessed to be invited (as an in-law, by marriage!) to be part of the Helbling Family! I thoroughly enjoyed the reunion and getting to know this – MY – wonderful family better! Love to you all, Rena
And love right back at you, dear sister-in-law.
It appears a fun time was had by all! I do so miss family reunions, but since all are in northern Ohio, I’m unable to attend!
We did have fun. It’s always great to reconnect with family.
Family is so important and spending quality time together – the kids make it so much FUN too – loving your captures – thanks so much for sharing 🙂 Happy Hump Day!
The kids are at such a fun age. It’s tough to keep up with them.
I still cannot believe there is 5 High School Seniors on both sides of the family this Fall. Crazy!!!
Oh, yeah, I hear ya. Those kids in the photos are all “greats,” except Beth. That really makes me feel old.
Sounds like a great day.
It was.
Perhaps you should create the outlaw shirts for the women! Your photos never fail to engage me. These are just wonderful. I especially like the baby’s hand – so sweet. Do you make memory books of these events?
Thank you. I try to shoot a variety of images that showcase the overall, the details, the mood and feel and emotions.
Nope, I’ haven’t made memory books. Good idea, though.
As for those out-law shirts, hmmmmm…
There was discussion amongst a few of the younger set about getting screen printed t-shirts for all who married into the Helbling Family and have them numbered in the order they arrived….. You would be #4 correct?
Ah, I missed that discussion. Yes, number four sounds right.
Oh such sweet enduring memories for you and Randy. Loved the photo’s, you captured so many great shots. Little Bennett looks to be about Carson’s age. I’m amazed that both sides of your family’s still get together, We haven’t had family reunions for-ever. You inspire me to try and gather up my relatives 🙂
Up until several years ago, the Helblings still got together at Christmas. But that was proving too difficult as nieces and nephews married and had kids. We couldn’t all fit into a house. And too many times, winter storms postponed plans. So recently we started the summer reunion, which works much better. It’s the one time of year this scattered family gathers and it’s important to connect. Otherwise we wouldn’t see each other given the geographical distances between all of us.
On my side, my siblings and their families and my family still gather around Christmas and the Fourth of July. It works for now. But I expect as the family grows, some changes may occur with that also.
Yes, you should gather up your relatives for a reunion.
My recollection is the ‘out-law’ t-shirts were brought, by Jon, for the men several years ago. I guess any ‘out-law’ female could figure something out for the women.
Thank you for the photos and comments, Audrey. You do a spectacular blog.
Thanks, Vivian. Apparently something is a-brewing, according to your younger sister. See her comment.
Thanks so much for taking pictures and sharing them with us with the captions that you do. It is great! it was a great get together!
Thanks, Cheryl.
The photo of your niece and her daughter. That’s the thing with people pics. You know the shot you want, but often times one on the way to that shot or after that shot are even better.
Precisely.