Family wants little ones to know the stories

Once upon a time the Anderson-Amundsen family would fill the Skamokawa Grange with their reunions, but with the event in its 60th year, family members have largely passed on or moved away and their numbers have dwindled.

Still, what the Anderson-Amundsens lack in numbers, they make up for with energy and enthusiasm and laughter.

Lois Bighill, this year's emcee, has been to all 60 reunions but one. She enjoyed the first from her mother's knee.

She guesses that four generations are represented this year. The farthest anyone traveled from was Port Orchard, over 150 miles. The youngest and oldest are separated by 99 years. Vanessa Bighill is two and Elaine Anderson is 101.

Lois' job as emcee is important. With so many traditions to honor, someone must keep things moving along. She is a natural and everyone is smiling, but they get quiet and shy when she tackles the matter of who will take over next year. Her son Jon is nominated and he eventually gives in, but only if Lois agrees to help.

Still, everybody pitches in, according to Lois.

Many of their traditions began with her mom and aunts. Every year they begin with reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing God Bless America. They have coffee hour and then a business meeting to count all the milestones for the year, whether they are births or deaths, or a child has lost a tooth. There is a potluck, which always features salmon. This year someone brought homemade jams, and another baked bread.

Then it is time for entertainment. A long time ago, one fellow sang My Wild Irish Rose. Norwegian though he was, the tradition remains, and the song is always sung in memory. Then they tell stories on each other and on the ones who have since passed away.

"We want the little ones to know the stories, Bighill said.