I haven't cleared this post with any of the Nussbaums, so I hope no one objects to this searing exposé on their relentless laughter, outrageous optimism, and scandalously good natures.
Perhaps the most immediately noticeable trait of the Nussbaum clan is their propensity for games and competitions of all kinds. If you know Daniel at all, you already know this about him.
Case in point: the Wall of Brackets. Each one represented a tournament around a particular game (Rook, bocce ball, ping pong, Euchre, etc.) that took place during the course of the reunion.
Outdoor/active games that were played included ladder golf, bocce ball, Kuub, volleyball, and round-table ping pong.
No picture can capture the fierce intensity that is Nussbaum round-table ping pong. They are all excellent players and absolute sticklers for the rules, though they somehow maintain their good natures throughout, win or lose. (As long as no one tries to get away with breaking or bending a previously-agreed-upon rule.)
Indoor board/card games played included: Rook, Settlers, Euchre, Bounce-Off, Great Scott, Exploding Kittens, Dimension, Steampunk Rally, Flash Point, Stan Crancisco, Lanterns, Magic Labyrinth, Uno, Dutch Blitz, Rummikub, Rummy Royale, Cambio, Ticket to Ride, and undoubtedly a whole host of others I didn't witness.
Here is a sampling of the games people brought along to the reunion.
I swear to goodness this picture was taken at 11:30 p.m., four disparate games going on, and when I left the room after midnight, nearly everyone was still going strong.
We also spent a significant period of time engaged in an obstacle course competition.
Kid- and adult-friendly.
Another chunk of an afternoon was spent on some seriously impressive tie-dye.
This group was never far from a hearty laugh, but it wasn't all jokes, either. I was grateful for the energy and intentionality that was put into engaging with one another and catching up on the significant elements of each other's lives. I was immensely blessed by lengthy conversations with cousins-in-law about racial and social justice, the nature of motherhood, and the keys to a good relationship.
We met at Amigo Centre, so there was plenty of quality time spent boating and exploring, too.
Attending a gathering like this every three years provides a helpful lens for observing the broad strokes of one's life. Three years ago, I vividly remember discussing with the Nussbaums the possibility that Daniel and I would move somewhere new and have an adventure. A year after that, we moved to Colorado and began our term with Service Adventure. This time at the reunion, I discussed with many Nussbaums the thoughts and questions I'm mulling over now, again drawing near to some large life changes. A potential move now that we've finished our time as Service Adventure leaders. Graduating with my master's in less than a year and looking for a new job.
None of us ever knows for sure where life will take us. Meeting with the same group of far-flung relatives at predictable intervals is a profound way to take a step back, to pay attention to the way the pieces we've chosen are crafting a whole journey.
But it isn't just about how this practice of reuniting benefits me. It's a beautiful testament to human connection that a group of people spread out over thousands of miles can come together, not having seen or even talked with many of the others in years, and leave five days later feeling a profound renewing of those familial bonds.
In the end, I don't have anything more brilliant to say than I'm grateful for people. But then again, that's a powerful truth to cling to. In a broken, hurting world, we (myself included) would do well to be reminded of this gratitude, again and again. As many times as it takes for us to be able to look at a stranger and see a family member.
May you find the family you need, blood-related or otherwise.
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