I know what guys like to do, but I'm not as good at knowing what girls want to do.

Make sure to check the Calendar for the latest in our activity schedule!

The current Activity ideas are:

• Biking
• Hiking
• In Grand Canyon
• Jet Skiing
• Golfing
• Theater
• Cinderella

The Current Food Ideas are:

• Goulash and Galuska
• Chicken Cutlets
• Fondue
• Raclette
• Crepes
• BBQ
• Chinese Takeout
  

Comments (39)

Jeffrey Neu said:

Hey all! Sorry for the late coming to the game. A few questions, thoughts, etc. from me. First....mom and dad stipulated that they were not bringing Raclette cheese from across the pond. So, another idea will have to come for that night. Second...since I am on the fondue list, are there objections to making the fondue from scratch? Are we more inclined, preferably to making the fondue from packets? Of course I prefer from scratch but so be it either way. How many pots, etc. are we gonna have? I only have 1. I know Bob and Noramah have 1. Who has small crock pots for the kiddy tables? If we break it out, there are 14 adults, plus roughly 5 almost adults (for fondue considerations). Generally you count on about 3 or 4 per pot. That puts us at needing 4 - 5 pots, plus a few tiny crock pots for the kiddies. (ask Noramah about that.) My assumption is that with 2 small crocks and 4 - 5 pots we'll be fine. Who has pots? Third... I would make the recommendation that all individuals plan on making a salad along with dinner. (I am sure everyone is saying duh, but I just wanted to be clear.) Last...is there a plan for a birthday cake for the birthday bash?

July 31, 2007

Noramah Neu said:

I reserved 2 jet skiis for Thursday the 16th, both are 3 seaters and come with 3 life vests each ... we hope everyone will happily wear them. (We also hope everyone recognizes the risks involved in this sport, and that safety is the first rule of the day so that the second rule "have fun" can happen without injury or worse.) I also reserved 2 tubes with tow ropes - one for each jet ski. We have several children's vests we can bring. Others are welcome to do the same. The shop is located near St. George and then it is 8 more miles to the reservoir (Sand Hollow State Park). Sand Hollow has a designated swim area so those who are waiting for a turn and those who are too young to ride can have plenty of water fun. We can make a full day of it (bring lots of sunblock) with picnic lunch and/or dinner, but it is close enough to our rental home that a break would be convenient too. This event then makes it necessary to move Grand Canyon to Wed and Birthday bash to Tues afternoon. There are 3 mornings (mon, tues, fri) open for those who wish to golf. I won't be arranging that event, though I have to sons who would like to join in.

July 29, 2007

Sharon Neu said:

I have Settlers of Catan, I have Seafarers of Catan, and I have the 5&6 person extensions for both.... EXCEPT the fact that my seafarers game was missing the boats and roads for orange. So, I will try to get that. Contact me before you come out. If I don't have it, then it might be better for you to bring yours. But I will try to get it so you don't have to cart all those boxes cross-country. Have we planned what activities we are doing and when? And how do we know what kitchen supplies we are going to need to bring?

July 25, 2007

Anne Neu said:

WOW! I've missed a lot! First off. we have some good friends who own a small printing business that may be able to do the T-shirts for us for a good deal. Jeff, if you can get me a scan ASAP of the crest, I will find out exactly what they could do the t-shirts for. If it is cost prohibitive, I can always do the iron on again...that seemed to work fine last time, and I enjoy doing it. Sharon, do you have the extended versions of Catan? I would love to continue at length, but notice the date of this post...the 21st. Harry Potter is calling!

July 21, 2007

Noramah Neu said:

We have a complete game of Pit. It is happily small enough to travel across the country with. B&N Neu's will bring PIT.

July 19, 2007

Sharon Neu said:

Hmmm... I'll try to get my thinkers moving. In the meantime, I also wanted to reassure people that the Salt Lake dwellers will bring Sleuth and Boggle. But we don't have Pit. So maybe Dustin & Em? Jon, I have Seafarers of Catan but my box was missing all the orange boats when I got it, so if I don't get that from the manufacturer by August, you might want to bring yours so we have a complete game.

July 19, 2007

Noramah Neu said:

Mom found in Red Bank the homemade family crest that a friend of theirs made for them years ago. Jeff has it (as per mom) and she's wondering if we would like to use that in some way on the t-shirts she hopes each family will have (in different colors for family like last time). I wonder if the logo is scan-able so Ann can do the wonders she did last time to print out iron-on copies for every shirt. Mom would love to see this happen. We are also hoping for a Sunday the 12th FHE/recital type event. Mom has requested that she be incharge of a family history game as part of the FHE. Please think up other FHE ideas so we can have a grand Sabbath Day FHE. We also need activity ideas for a massive birthday bash on Wednesday afternoon. Just trying to stir up your thinkers. Love ya, Noramah

July 18, 2007

Kerrie said:

Okay, so we just got home from a trip to Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho where Chris conquered his fear of roller coasters and everyone had a fabulous time. In checking my e-mail I discovered you have all been working like busy beavers. Yes, Noramah, that will be fine to trade nights. So Laurent and I will be cooking crepes with Em & Dustin on the 17th right? Now to games, we can bring Sleuth, Sequence, Sequence for Kids, It Came to Pass,Secret Mission Risk, and the Dance Dance Revolution, Eye Toy Games, and such with Playstation 2 if people would like. Let us know if there is anything else we should bring.

July 17, 2007

Jonathan Neu said:

Hey sharon do you have seafarers of catan or the extended versions of them. If not we could try and bring them as well. Someone out in Utah should bring sleuth and boggle and we should also have pinochle and tarot like games. Well Pit is also one more. I think I could go on and on but there it is. Okay I think Noramah's, or was it Em's question on what is in the place for cooking supplies is a good. Who wants to call and ask? I tell you what I will call and see what they have. If they dont have much we might have to raid the kitchens of everyone in Utah to figure out what we want to cook with. Oh yeah and I recommend lots of plasticware and paper products. I like the no mess type thing. Okay thats all for now. jon

July 16, 2007

Sharon Neu said:

I don't have a problem with the change. My apologies on the oversight. I am hopeless in terms of keeping track of people's wedding anniversaries and birthdays. As for games, I will commit to bringing Settlers of Catan, True Colors, Boggle, Scrabble, Wise and Otherwise and several decks of cards. Question for Gerry & Rachel: Would you be willing to bring MOODS across the Atlantic? I LOVED that game when we played it. I'd own it, but I've found it to be somewhat hard to come by.

July 12, 2007

m said:

Food sounds good. I'm sure there is a Costco in the area. Also, I found this website the other day: grandcanyonskywalk.com I'll check with Dustin's sister Stacie to see if they have any ideas for jetskiing and other fun activities. love ya m

July 12, 2007

Noramah Neu said:

I'm wondering if Bob and Noramah can trade cooking nights with Laurent and Kerrie from the 17th to the 16th (since we are already cooking with them earlier in the week)? Somehow I'd like to not have kitchen duty on our wedding anniversary. Other than that I'm good with the list and thank you for making assignments. As for the Raclette, are mom and dad bring some back from France? (I understand it's hard to get state-side.) Do we have any idea what cooking items are in the kitchen? (BIG pots, pans, casserole dishes, cookie sheets, bowls, etc?) Can we find out?

July 12, 2007

Sharon Neu said:

Okay, so I decided not to wait for comments. Here are the assignments. If you have suggestions or would like something changed, let me know. 8/11 - Sharon, Jeff, Gerry and Rachel will prepare: Fondue 8/12 - Mom, Dad, Jon and Ann will prepare: Goulash and Galushka 8/13 - Laurent, Kerrie, Bob and Noramah will prepare: Lasagna (That wasn't o the list, but I ran out of items on the list and that sounded good. If you want something else, let me know) 8/14 - Sharon, Jeff, Jon and Anne will prepare: BBQ 8/15 - Mom, Dad, Emilie and Dustin will prepare: Chicken Cutlets 8/16 - Laurent, Kerrie, Gerry and Rachel will prepare: Raclette 8/17 - Em, Dustin, Bob and Noramah will prepare: Crepes I didn't include dinner on the 18th, as I imagine we'll be out of there by then.

July 06, 2007

Sharon Neu said:

Okay, so one request before I make the list of who's assigned to cook when, and with whom: If you have a preference for what you would like to cook, tell me. Also if you have a preference for when to cook, tell me. And any other preferences in regards to these assignments.

July 06, 2007

Jonathan Neu said:

Well we are about one month out now and I think we should start making some final plans of what we want to do and what we want to eat and what we all need to do to make me happy. . I believe that a list of things might be in order now so that we all know what we are going to be doing and eating most importantly. I also have some very important questions. For example: Should we be budgeting icecream or rather should we create a budget for icecream(I feel this budget should be large)? How many water balloons can I possible get into my suitcase? and will I look good in that speedo that I bought last week? All very intruiging questions that we should be asking ourselves. Okay I did not buy a speedo but now I have you all thinking. So I think we have a partial list of food that was posted a long time ago and someone suggested that Sharon be the taskmaster for this. I agree and hope she enjoys the job. As for the activities I know there are a lot of suggestions like golf, jet skiing, lots of swimming, girly things that I am not sure of but am sure will be enjoyable for all that do them, games yes games (we should problable put a list of games that we want to bring and then see who is bringing them so we dont duplicate and then there are the day trips that I believe people may want to be part of (grand canyon, and the big dam down there sorry cant remember the name but I have heard that it is really cool). Well all this takes planning and I am not great at it so I am asking for others to step up to the plate and tell me what I need to do. We do have something that we can do on our end from MN if you all want. We can make T-shirts here (family in the ward can do them for cheap) and then bring them out for everyone if we know sizes and colors. We can get prices to make sure everyone is okay with it though. We just need to create our family logo for this year so we can put them on the T-shirts. The sooner the better for that so we can coordinate it. Well I have spouted off plenty for today. I am very excited to see everyone and hope we have plenty of unbridled fun together. Let the good times roll. Jon

July 03, 2007

Sharon Neu said:

well, I am not prone to delegate unless I'm busy with something more important. Since, in the case of the reunion, I am up to nothing that is keeping me busy and nothing that is important, I delegate myself. Let me know if you have any preferences. I'll get going on it and post something soon.

July 03, 2007

Anne Neu said:

Sharon, I vote that you assign someone.

June 27, 2007

Jeffrey Neu said:

I am with sharon. We need to get a list up and going

June 26, 2007

Sharon Neu said:

I know we're still 2 whole months away but I would just like to say, for the record, I am very much looking forward to this week-long vacation and family reunion. Can't hardly wait. Is there anyone in charge of putting together the meal planning schedule and assignments? I think we should assign someone to come up with a draft.

May 30, 2007

Emilie Harker said:

Well, the powers that be decided that Dustin can have the last 4 days with us: ie Wed-Sat. So, he'll probably drive down Wed, maybe Tues night. He's made a special request that he not miss all of the really fun stuff!

May 09, 2007

Jeffrey Neu said:

I would pick the beggining to the middle. The end is always filled with stuff you are just trying to squeeze in rather than giving it the mindset, time and dedication it usually requires.

May 02, 2007

Emilie Harker said:

So, I have a question for you all. Dustin has just received word that he can't have the whole week off. (Something about needing to "immerse" him in his training during the firt 3 months.) They are willing to let him out of the immersion for 3 days, maybe 4, but not a week. So which days should he pick? Beginning? Middle? End?

April 27, 2007

Jeffrey Neu said:

I was thinking about Noramah's idea, and I like it a lot, but would like to tone it down just a tad bit. My thoughts are just 1 helper couple instead of 2. 6 people in the kitchen seems a bit much, and it isn't like we are a selfish bunch. I am sure if someone feels they need more help, then it will be available. So, that is my suggestion, 1 couple in charge, 1 helper couple, and lots of play.

April 24, 2007

Noramah Neu said:

I'm thinking about meals some more . . . I like the idea of "many hands make light work" but I'm also very attune to the notion of "too many cooks in the kitchen" and I'm not sure how big this place's kitchen is. I am also hoping (as the steady cook in our house) that this vacation can also include a dinner or two that I don't have to be involved at all - a true vacation for me! I like Kerrie's idea of a head chef (one couple) in charge of the meal with helpers to cut and cook (2 more couples). And then have a clean-up crew (2 other couples). If we count Sharon and Jeff as a "couple" for these functional duties, then we have 7 couples and 7 nights. We effectively each have 5 nights with some sort of kitchen duty and 2 nights off! As for Breakfasts and Lunches, at I've seen it done 2 different ways that have worked equally well. When it's a shared single location we stock the place with breakfast and lunch foods selected by everyone and just divide the grocery costs between families, specialty foods for example, my brothers MS diet or baby foods, were taken care of by the individual family. When we've had more seperate units we've had a "fend for yourself" policy for Breakfast and Lunch. Since we will be in a single unit, perhaps we can create a grocery list collecting everyone's favorites and then the early birds on Saturday the 11th can do a Costco/Sam's Club run. That gives less structure to the day time meals. We may still want to consider having a clean-up crew of sorts for those meals though? Off to another subject . . . Can we plan a birthday bash? We have lots of b-days in July, August and September. Perhaps we can order pizza for lunch and make it an afternoon of party games and simple crafts with cupcake decorating and ice cream?

April 03, 2007

Jeffrey Neu said:

Ok, I added a menu item to the family reunion calendar date. Add stuff as you see fit!

April 03, 2007

Sharon Neu said:

I don't mean to state the obvious about the site, Jefe, but you DO have a calendar on the website we could enter things into, don't you? That might be a good way to have things available for everybody to view. I like the idea of a trip to the Grand Canyon and a trip to a lake for water sports. And I think keeping the list of set activities small so we can relax and the kiddies can spend time playing by the pool is a great idea. I agree with Anne that, with a little bit of prep before the vacation, along with help from everybody in doing meals, a few of the family-traditional recipes wouldn't be too difficult. And I like the idea of sandwiches and fruit for lunch too. Can breakfast be that easy too? I am a bit extreme on this point I realize, but I really prefer to spend a minimal amount of time worrying about meals, whether it be cooking them, preparing them, being on time for them... and I don't even have kids. I am also in for Cinderella, and I don't care where I sit, as long as it's with the family.... and not in front of an incredibly tall person's bulbous head.

April 03, 2007

Jeffrey Neu said:

Should we maybe get some sort of a calendar going on for things that are being planned and what not?

April 03, 2007

Robbie Neu said:

Thanks for reminding me about getting tickets ahead of time. I will try to look into that and get back to you. Anne-Just by participating in the discussion, you have added to it. So Thanks! And congrats! I don't remember my parents telling me you were pregnant, if they even knew.

March 25, 2007

Anne Neu said:

Apparently I need to check Neu Estates more often...there is fantastic discussion going on! I like that we are not getting crazy on planning outside activities. I think I can safely say that my kids will be happiest playing with cousins by the pool. And thanks to Laur for making note of the weather. For those who may not have heard, I will be 7 months pregnant...in St George...in August. I still hope to be able to do some easy hiking, but I am afraid that may be about it for me. I love the ideas of pitching in for meals. We can make quick work of Goulash if we have lots of people cutting everything. And how nice would it be to make cutlets if your only job was dipping chicken in egg??? For those traveling a reasonable distance, perhaps we can also do as much as possible ahead of time. for example, if we decide to do crepes, I'd prepare the nuts and sugar and bring that out. Jon and I have also gone ahead and mixed all the dry ingredients ahead of time. Also, I am all for M's idea of the easy lunches. Fruit, sandwich fixings, veggies, etc. I think that is kind of how it turned out in NY, and I think it was fine. I love the idea of Cinderella. If anyone heads this up (Kerrie ), I can safely say that I would like to include myself and Elizabeth. Do we need to start considering ordering tickets soon? I don't know if they will sell out or not. So, I've not really added anything new to the discussion, but rest assured I'm happy with all of your comments! This is great fun!!

March 25, 2007

Robbie Neu said:

We also have to decide when to do our 5k (or whatever we're doing for "The Biggest Loser Contest" Emilie-I'm hoping your comment will not be the end of this discussion and I hope it will continue until the reunion. --Robbie

March 21, 2007

Emilie Harker said:

As far as activities goes... I think most of our time will be by the pools and playing games, but early morning hikes, biking, jogging etc would be fun. A day trip to the Grand Canyon sounds like fun and maybe another to a lake for jet skiing or lake-side play. A temple trip is a good anytime activity... The guys will probably go golfing one day. The girls will go to the theater one evening and should have an in-home spa experience (bring your nail stuff!). Let's make sure everyone has a good time, but I hesitate to book many more long-distance activities... As far as food goes, I think I'm finally getting the jist of what Kerrie's been suggesting... that EVERYONE helps for EVERY MEAL. I think it's a great idea. Maybe we can sign up to be the head chef responsible for running the show and managing ingredients... but we know that every dinner will require salad, drinks, table set-up and clean-up, etc. in addition to the main menu needs. As far as what we eat goes...I'm afraid I've been a bit of a pessimist regarding the time-intensive traditional meals, but maybe we can figure out some way to make them without it taking all night to prepare... I welcome ideas on that. I'm thinking that breakfast and lunch menus could just be simple stuff. My guess is that it will be so hot that we won't feel like eating much, and then we don't have to worry about scheduling activities around lots of prep time. I'd be happy with fruit and sandwiches for lunch every day--maybe some pasta salads...! My comments are not meant to be the end of the discussion-- just my thoughts.

March 21, 2007

Robbie Neu said:

Tell Laurent thanks, i completely forgot about the weather. We have to be careful doing the outdoor activities with the weather that hot. The Theater thing with the girls sounds great. I also like the idea with the chores and meals being split up more. Thanks

March 03, 2007

Kerrie J. Neu said:

I want to take Emilie and maybe the girls to Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Tuacahn Theater. I looked it up and is showing while we are there. I was going to gift her with the movie and tickets for her birthday possibly. They also have My Fair Lady I think showing. Can't remember. They have a web site. Hiking and biking are great with us, but we will also need to remember this is St. George and August, as Laurent keeps reminding us. So it will be above 100 most likely and possibly above 110. A different friend of mine divides up not only meals, but chores within the meals so the whole family is working together.ie., someone cuts fruit, someone cooks this, or that. Someone cleans dishes etc. They divide up the resonsibilities and give kids assignments too. One year they had hats for each of the chores. (bakers hat, etc.) I could ask her for more details if that is something we would want to do. It would mean not just one person would have to do everything and we could talk and visit while working. Chris would also like to go to the temple once and do baptisms there. We'll think of other ideas. The jet skiing sounds really fun too.

March 02, 2007

Robbie Neu said:

Well, what i had in mind was more specific things. Such as jet skiing, hiking (the one that was contributed), tours, etc. But general ideas do help too so thanks

February 26, 2007

Sharon Neu said:

I vote for sharing duties on the meals. I love all those foods. I usually make you guys do all the work, being that you've all gotten married, had kids, accepted responsibilities,... and I have not. I've thoroughly enjoyed freeloading, but I'm just recently starting to feel like I should pitch in a little. However, I don't wanna overdue it. I vote that Jeff and I get to do meals together. I don't want to take on too much responsibility all at once. I might go into shock. As for activites and planning, I think it's most important to have some of those major "whole family" activities, and then a lot of great activities for the kids. So, I think planning some things sounds great. I do want a LITTLE bit of freedom to go and hike around up in Zion's and things like that. So, I think planning stuff is good, and then allowing flexibility for people, such as myself, who might want to opt out of a certain activity to relax, play at the house, hike or whatever. Is that workable/what you had in mind?

February 26, 2007

Jeffrey Neu said:

I am in for the food thing with Noramah. I think it is a great idea, not to mention I love eating those foods. In regards to activities, are we thinking that all activities are going to be entire family efforts? Are there going to be perhaps multiple activities on some days that people can choose between? I can't remember what goes on in St. George except for driving up and down main street at 15 mph!! Doesn't that sound like fun.

February 22, 2007

Robbie Neu said:

Well i think my mom just won the prize for longest comment ever! But there's some really good ideas for food in there, so thanks

February 20, 2007

Noramah Neu said:

I've done some bike trail searches. There are quite a few near St. George. I'm looking for ones that are paved or hard packed dirt that are easy enough for little kids (ie: my Davie). I'd love to do a day trip out to the North rim of the Grand Canyon to do some hiking. I expect it is a 2 /- hour drive from St. George. I envision leaving early morning and getting back that night. I've also been brain storming food. I think there would be lots of value in making some of our family traditional foods so our kids relate those foods to our family. (Perhaps those foods can be reunion traditions for us in the future?) Most of them are labor intense I know, but here are some of the foods I've come up with while brainstorming with various family members: Goulash and Galuska Chicken cutlets Fondue Raclette Crepes BBQ (with Jon!) Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to spend all my time cooking, but I think it would be great to pick a couple of these (or others) and plan to make an event of it. I like how we each signed up for meals to be in charge of at the last reunion. Since we are together for more days (7) this time, maybe we should each take one dinner and one lunch to be in charge of. Again keeping it simple (unless you want to pick one of the traditional foods.) I'll volunteer to do chicken tacos for one of the lunches and goulash/galuska for a dinner (if someone will help me cook dumplings?) Looking forward to it! love Noramah

February 20, 2007

Jeffrey Neu said:

I want to do some fun outdoor activities...some hiking and what not. Maybe some good cooking as well!!

February 19, 2007

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