Family Reunion Planning

If you're planning a family reunion, then you're in the perfect place. Whether you are looking for a family reunion planning checklist, family reunion ideas, choosing a venue, writing the invitations, choosing the games or planning the menu, we have everything you need to plan the perfect family reunion.

Family Reunion Prayers and Blessings

Many people turn to God through prayer to seek protection, strength, and answers to the problems in their life, or simply just to thank Him for all that He has provided. There is always a good time and place to pray, and that is anytime, anywhere; family reunions, included.

Saying a family reunion prayer is a great way to kick off the reunion by bringing the family together to talk to the unseen member in their family, God. It is also a nice way to conclude the family reunion and bid everyone safe travels. Of course, family reunion prayer is good for anything in between, including mealtime!

Whenever you decide to pray, it’s good to know what you would like to say ahead of time, almost like a speech to God. Of course, you can naturally let Him guide your voice to find the words to say in the moment, but if you are anything like me, you have a hard time saying anything in front of a crowd of people–even if you know each and every person!

Here, I have put together a few prayers for certain times during a family reunion. You may use these, if you wish, or use them as a guide to write your own.

Commencement Prayer

Saying a prayer to commence the family reunion can serve as a family reunion icebreaker as well by bringing the family together to pray to their common Father.

“Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for bringing us together today to start our much-needed family reunion. We asked to be brought close to one another and it was in you that we found the strength and resources to put this family reunion together. We ask that you shine your light unto the family while we rejoice in you, Father, and we thank you for guiding us all here safely, and for making this all possible. Without you, our family would not exist, this reunion would not be happening, and these feelings of sheer joy would not be felt. In Your name, we pray. AMEN!”

Mealtime Prayer

God is your provider, and should be thanked before a meal! Here is a nice prayer to say to Him before you dig into your plate:

“Father, we thank you for providing us with this meal while we can all be together enjoying each other’s company. Let us savor this meal while we bask in the light of the Holy Spirit, and feel what it means to be alive, well, and happy with our great family here today. With every bite and sip we take in, Lord, we thank you. In God’s name, we pray. Amen.”

Conclusion Prayer

After all has been said and done, what’s the best way to end the fun? With a family reunion prayer, of course!

“Dearest Heavenly Father, it is with the utmost happiness that we are here today, together, praying to you. We thank you for this time we were able to share together, as we cannot do it as often as we wish. One final thing we ask our you at this family reunion is to guide our family members safely on our trips back home, that you embrace us and keep us out of harm’s way. We love you, Father, and thank you again for bringing us together to rejoice in you. Amen.”

No matter what time it is during the reunion, saying a family reunion prayer is both appropriate and necessary. After all, you should be thanking the one who helped to make it all possible: Life, and the family reunion both!

11 Magical Family Reunion Ideas in Orlando

What city might very well be the best city to have a family reunion? Orlando, FL of course! Florida is a tourist state, and being so, must have many tourist attractions, some great for a family reunion! Orlando is the home of Disney World and many other theme parks and attractions, so lets explore exactly what there is to do there!

Have a Fun Florida Family Reunion!

If you are planning on having a family reunion in Orlando, then you better get working on that family reunion itinerary! With all of the things to do in Orlando, you’ll need some kind of schedule to keep the family on task without getting divided.

Here are some things to do in Orlando that are sure to be a blast during your reunion:

Theme Parks

Disney World

We already touched on Disney World, but it is worth a mention again because it is hands down Orlando’s #1 attraction! People come from all over the world just to visit Disney, and seemingly grow a pair of Mickey Mouse ears while leaving with smiles on their faces. From the many different kingdoms to choose from, Magic Kingdom is probably the most popular and well-known park in Disney. There is certainly something to do there for every age and stage!

Universal Studios

Also in Orlando is Universal Studios, packed full of activities and many simulator rides. Make sure you swing by Diagon Alley for some rides and shopping with Harry Potter and his friends! Don’t miss the Simpsons ride; it’s a real crowd pleaser! Then there’s the Oh, and how can I forget The Mummy ride? It’s a blast!

Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure is the neighbor park to Universal Studios, and you can even buy “park hopper” passes to go to both parks during your stay. One of the biggest attractions at Islands of Adventure is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Sip on some birch beer while you are captivated by your surroundings, something every young wizard or witch should experience for themselves.

SeaWorld

Love aquariums and amusement parks? SeaWorld is the place to go and is great for a family reunion! Don’t miss the famous Shamu performing tricks for an entire audience, and all of the great water animal exhibits throughout!

Universal Studios Volcano Bay

There are quite a few big water parks to choose from when planning your family reunion. Orlando has nice water parks such as Volcano Bay, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, and Aquatica! Check the websites for each park to see which one would suit you the most.

Dinner Shows

Medieval Times

Medieval Times is the nation’s #1 and longest running dinner attraction, putting you right in the middle of the Medieval era, complete heroic knights on horseback, live jousting, falconry, and a hearty four-course supper fit for a king!

Sleuths Mystery Dinner

It’s a real life game of Clue where you and your family are the detectives, working to solve these hilariously outrageous mystery crimes! But of course, what sly sleuth can solve a mystery on an empty stomach? Dine on a tasty three-course dinner and unlimited refreshments to help you keep your crime-solving energy up!

The Outta Control Dinner Show

Get ready to laugh at this hilarious comedy dinner show! You and the entire family, kids included, will have a great time laughing and participating in this high-energy, interactive show, while dining on unlimited hand-tossed pizza, salad, and popcorn! Oh, and there’s also unlimited beer, wine, and soda, if you like that sort of thing…

More Fun Stuff

Blue Man Group

Anyone going to Orlando should see the Blue Man Group perform! Watch these guys bang their drums of many different colors as they please the audience with their talent! They put a whole new meaning behind flying colors!

Disney Springs

If you love Disney, but your family isn’t ready to buy park passes for the weekend, check out the eclectic boutiques, unique eateries, and family friendly entertainment in Disney Springs! Want to know the best part? No cost of admission!

Old Town

Take a break from the busy tourist-packed theme parks and enjoy a relaxing stroll through this fun district full of unique shopping, dining options, and family amusements, like classic car cruises, arcade games, and magic shows!

It is no doubt that Orlando is the perfect destination for a family reunion. Orlando is the kind of city where you cannot possibly have the words “I’m bored” escape your lips. It truly is a magical city with lots to see and do, so see about having a family reunion there! You know you want to…

Photo attribution: MickeyViews

21 Funny Family Reunion Jokes

Who doesn’t enjoy a good standup act? If there is an appropriate place and an appropriate crowd in which to tell jokes, it would be to your family at a family reunion!

So whether you’re writing a funny family reunion announcement letter or planning your welcome speech, here are some funny jokes to sprinkle in, followed by a few joke writing tips if you want to show off your own comedic talent!

Family Reunion Jokes

“I’m here to talk about our family, but Mom always taught me that if I don’t have anything nice to say, I shouldn’t say anything at all. Good Day.”
“We didn’t provide any alcohol at this family reunion. We were concerned people would start being honest with each other.”
“Who here is looking for a date? You’ve come to the wrong place.”
“I’m personally happy that we have universal healthcare coverage. I’ve seen how these events end.”
“If you’re upset because you couldn’t bring a boyfriend or girlfriend, just remember: It’s in their best interest.”
“I’ve heard it said many times “family reunions create stronger families.” No one ever told me that it was done by thinning out the weak. I’m concerned I may not make it home once this thing’s over.”
“The only thing that could make this reunion more dangerous is a Monopoly competition.”
“The only reason why I’m speaking right now is because Grandma bribed me with pie so I would say something nice.”
“Family reunion potlucks, more like Cutthroat Kitchen: Family Edition.”
“Family reunions get a bad reputation. This is way better than jury duty!”
“You want to know what the best part is about an annual family reunion? You get a full year to recover.”
“You know what they say about annual family reunions. ‘Again?!??!'”
“Do you remember what happened at the last family reunion? Yeah, I’ve tried to block it out too.”
“How do you get everyone excited about a family reunion? By telling them it’s been cancelled!”
“The _____ Family reunion: Prepare to overeat.”
“All the women I love in one room, and I couldn’t be more scared for my life!”
“Did anyone else’s invite get lost in the mail?”
“You know, all of the women were really excited when I told them about the family reunion… Until I said “bring your husband too.”
“How many crazy people does it take to throw a party?” (Begin counting people)
“When I read “Free Babysitting” on the invitation, I RSVP’d immediately!”
“Our family is like a fine cheese, we get funkier with age!”

Be Funny, Not Mean

If you choose to pick on a family member in a few family reunion jokes, take care not to take it too far so as to avoid upsetting or embarrassing anyone! (Well except for the older brother that picked on you all those years while you were growing up, pay a special tribute to him!) Just try to keep it clean, no low blows! Need some more joke-writing or standup tips? Here’s some!

Exaggerate: Take something that is obvious and exaggerate it; go on and on about it, write multiple jokes about it; you get the idea.
Be the joke: The only thing funnier than making fun of your older brother is to make fun of yourself instead! You know your limits, so don’t make yourself cry!
Don’t laugh: Sometimes it’s hard not to laugh at your own jokes, but just try to refrain!
Find your style: You’re likely a different person on stage, so when writing your jokes, keep in mind your stage face and persona.
Practice skit: Practicing your skit in front of a mirror will help you to familiarize yourself more with the material and form effective facial expressions to go along.
Use props: Props can make all the difference in certain jokes!

Now it’s time for you to break out your notebook and pen and start writing those family reunion jokes. Look at pictures of your brother, the jokes will practically write themselves!

7 Crowd Pleasing Potluck Casseroles

Having a family reunion potluck? Well then you’d better consider bringing a couple of delicious potluck casseroles! The great thing about casseroles is if you are chosen to bring a main dish or a side, a casserole can fill either role (mmm, rolls, bring those too)!

With so many different kinds of casseroles to choose from for your family reunion potluck, your head might be spinning trying to decide what to bring. Here, I have compiled a list of a bunch of amazing casseroles to bring to your family reunion potluck. Okay, it might more difficult to choose from this list of potluck casseroles because they are all mouth-watering good, but at least the vast list of casseroles has been narrowed.

Choosing A Casserole Recipe

How do you go about choosing the perfect casserole? Well, it all depends on a few different things, and all things should be considered:

Time of day: Family reunions tend to run for a few days consecutively, so there is a chance that there could be a potluck breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or even all three)! So, it’s best to choose a casserole that is suitable for the meal in which it will be served.
Type of dish: Depending on how your family is coordinating the family reunion potluck, you might have your pick of the dish, or you may be assigned to bring a certain kind of dish. Whether it be a main course dish or just a little something yummy on the side, choose something that is suitable.
Don’t go too exotic: Stick with something pretty basic that you know a bunch of family members will love. Imagine the heartbreak seeing a still-full casserole dish at the end of the potluck after you slaved over that stove to make it!
Allergies: If you know of a family member or a few who have certain food allergies, either avoid making something with the offending ingredients (ideal) or make a little sign and attach it to the casserole dish listing the offending allergens.

Potluck Casserole Recipes

Ok, now for the good part, the list of potluck casseroles! Here goes…

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole: Who knew that cauliflower was such a suitable replacement for potatoes, and it’s low carb, too! Try this recipe loaded with cauliflower, bacon, cheese and a few other easy ingredients!
Shepherd’s Pie: Seriously, who doesn’t enjoy a good shepherd’s pie? This casserole will practically serve itself! Ground beef, veggies, potatoes and all of the other fixings make for a mouth-watering casserole choice.
Tune Casserole: Calling all tuna eaters! This can be a main dish or a side dish, and is a great choice all around! With noodles, tuna, and cheese, this recipe is sure to please!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: Seasoned Ranch chicken, homemade Alfredo sauce, and lots of bacon and cheese! Talk about a comfort dish everyone will want seconds of!
Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole: If you are lucky, you’ll be bringing this amazing dish to a breakfast potluck. With ham, cheese, and potatoes, it might just work as a side for lunch or dinner as well! I don’t think anyone would complain.
French Toast Casserole: The title is a mouthful, and so is the dish! If you have any french toast enthusiasts coming to the family reunion potluck, then they will be in luck!
Patchwork Cobbler: With a variety of summer fruits, this dessert casserole will have everyone wanting to skip dinner just at the sight of it! Be careful making this one because it might not make it out of the door!

Potluck casseroles can really be any casserole that your heart desires, but these six casseroles are to die for! You truly can’t go wrong, and your guests will be raving about it. I call it “love at first bite.”