I remember this reunion more clearly than i remember anything else before i was 10. I was 7 years old and it was a Gunderson Reunion at Moon Lake. As we were driving up i was really excited and had to ask mom if EVERYONE was going to be there. She said everyone would be there eventually. She said that everyone was coming but, Uncle Steve (Gunderson :) ) was going to come up one day late because he had work.
To me, coming late to a reunion because of work was nothing short of a sin. I decided he needed to learn a lesson.
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So, a couple of days later dad was filling up water balloons. we had a water fight planned at the beach. Dad said that we would have teams and rules and...stuff. Because we begged, me and a few of the other little kids, including Kara, got just 1 balloon. At first i wanted to keep the precious present. Then i saw Steve. he was sitting in a circle with the other grown-ups. I stood between two white metal tables. i decided it was time for him to learn his lesson. I aimed and threw the balloon as hard as i could. I missed. It hit the tree a foot behind his head.
The adults looked over and laughed at me. Saying "oh you're lucky you didn't hit him" I was determined. I turned to Kara who was standing next to me the whole time holding a great big blue balloon. She was only 3, poor kid. I begged her to hold her balloon for just a second. she refused but, i was persistent. Through whatever lies i told her i got that balloon. I wasted no time in chucking this one also. this one hit the target right on his right shoulder. Kara was probably crying at this point and in the future i did apologize but, at the time, the only thing i cared about was my uncle who had stood up and ran over to the water pump. I guess he got my aunt Tricia because before i knew it they were both coming at me! Tricia went to one side of the table and Steve to the other. I was trapped. I tried to think of ways to escape. Running one way then the other. Finally i resigned myself to running straight for the other grownups, in front of me, and hoping i could make it. As soon as i stepped out of the tables they both got me at the exact same time.
That was how it began. The biggest water fight of our lives. Everyone got cups and water balloons or got out of the way. my dad was at the water pump filling up water for everyone and advising them on who to get next. At one point i saw the younger kids, the ones i played with, all hiding and sniffling up by a tent with my aunt Phyllis. I went up there and tried to feign innocence but, Phyllis wouldn't have it. She sent me away. So, i was the youngest one in the water fight.
When it finally ended I asked my dad when we were going to do the normal water fight. He told me that we ran out of balloons. I never really wanted to do that one but, it was a shame it ended. He said "but, this one was better" I smiled, dripping at him and said "yeah it was"
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