When I was just a little boy (many years ago), I remember helping my dad pack up the station wagon with charcoal, toys, food, games and all the other picnic related gear. We would all pile in the car, and take off for the annual fireman's picnic. This was an event I looked forward to every summer. This picnic had everything; 3-legged races, ice cream, hot dogs and baseball! The family reunion was also held in the summer, but it's appeal was always secondary to me. As I grew older, I realized that the fireman's picnic was missing something -- I was in the midst of strangers, kids and parents that I did not know and would only see them maybe once a year. Suddenly the family picnic became the event of the summer!

Through the years, many members of the family had relocated to other areas of the country, and some were even stationed overseas. but despite the distance, I would always hear "when is the reunion?" and "where are the flyers?" People began to plan their vacations around the Machina Family Picnic. This year's affair should be better than ever, and I hope to see you there.