It was a week filled with emotional ups and downs, as well as great escapades. The whole week was incredibly planned and coordinated by Vasu & Bhagya (V&B).

The family started to arrive on Friday, May 23, slowly trickling into Colorado Springs over the next 5 days. Initially (between May 23 and May 27), people stayed in V&B's house, or at a local hotel arranged by V&B. Each morning at V&B's house, there was fresh coffee, bagels, croissants, followed by a 4-5 course lunch, followed by a 4-5 course dinner. During these days, various family members took "day trips" to local sight seeing venues.

Jayant, his sons, and Vasant's daughters took a hike up Pike's Peak. This "hike" was more than a simple walk up a mountain. It involved some anxiety amongst other family members, some generosity displayed by strangers, and the survival skills of all. For details, contact Jayant or his sons.

Prasad, Jayanthi, Sowmya, Vishal, Ashwini, Sudhir, Sripad, and Narayan also had a wonderful adventure White-Water Rafting the Arkansas River thru the Royal Gorge. This experience was also filled with fear, anxiety, and worries (and all of those emotions were displayed even before we left the house that morning)!!!

Many of the family members visited numerous local sight seeing locales, such as Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, Royal Gorge Train Route, Royal Gorge Park, etc. These "day trips" were also filled with fun and laughter.

On May 27, everyone shifted their belongings to the Farrish Park, located within Pike National Park. This wooded retreat was an absolutely wonderful location for the family reunion. There were no land phones, no cell phones, no computers, no email, etc. In fact, for many people, there was no contact with the outside world for the next 4 days. The nearest store was 6 miles away, down a winding mountain, on an unpaved dirt road.

Half the family was housed near the lake, where the kitchen was located. The other half was housed on a platte, where the conference center was located. Food for the entire 4 days was catered and cooked on-site by Shiva, the head Chef for Masala Restaurant in Denver. Shiva's crew did an unbelievable job in serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, afternooon snack, and dinner for all 4 days. The food was delicious, and as such, most people gained 4-5 lbs during the week !!

At 12:01 AM, on May 28, Pavi was officially commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the United Stated Air Force. This event was special for Pavi since his Mom performed the Oath Swearing, while his brother and father pinned his new "bars" on his shoulders!!

On May 28 morning, everyone got up very early and went to the Falcon Stadium at the AF Academy where Pavi graduated with academic distinction. This day was also filled with anxiety and fear, as Chikkamma sufferred dehydration, and was taken to a local hospital for stabilization. Luckily, she recovered quickly, and was able to return to Farrish by the evening to experience the "Roast & Toast" of Pavi. The "Pavi Night" consisted of a slide show depicting Pavi's childhood pictures, as well as numerous family members "roasting" Pavi for his mis-deeds over the years. Pavi's best friend, Ryan, was able to witness the whole event, as well as shed some light on the "mischievous Pavi" we have not seen before.

On May 29, the entire "gang" played Cricket. The 2 teams were managed by Mahesh and Vasant. In the end, Mahesh's team captured the crown of "Best Cricket Team in Farrish" !! A few hours later, everyone dressed up in their "Sunday Best" to show off in front of the cameras. A wonderful group portrait was photographed during this photo session.

That evening, the family gathered together for a "sweet & sour" event. Everyone initially mourned Raju on his untimely death. This consisted of a slide show showing the "many faces of Raju". Various family members shared their experiences with Raju, which was very touching and emotional. As a last minute decision, Nischal decided to come to the Reunion (he actually arrived a few minutes before the group photo session started). He was able to share some personal and philosophical thoughts on losing his father - a very emotionally touching speech. Later that evening, Jayant and Helen celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary. This was followed by various children and adults showing off their artistic talents.

On May 30, some people started to depart. The day consisted of just "lounging around" and relaxing by the lake. Many people had fun on the lake with paddle boats. That evening, the remaining family reminsced about the fun times we all had during the previous 7 days.

All in all, the Reunion was a stellar success. Major kudos go out to V&B for coordinating and sponsoring the entire event. Most of us are eagerly awaiting the next family reunion.

Below are a few pictures showing a brief glimpse of the wonderful 2003 Family Reunion

Some Sightseeing Pics -

Prasadu, Jayanthi, Spwmya & Vishal enjoying a fun outing in Seven Falls

A splendid pictuure of the grand Seven Falls

The Royal Gorge Scenic Route Train, going along the Arkansas River

Getting ready for the White Water experience in Royal Gorge (can you feel the anxiety???)

The "courageous-8" wearing the full wet suit, helmet, paddle, in front of the White Water Rapid Rafts

Entry into the Royal Gorge Park

Vijaya and Narayan look pleased as the tram heads down to the Arkansas River

A group picture in Royal Gorge, at the base, in front of the Arkansas River

Tejas enjoying a Donkey Ride, as his mom and dad feel some anxiety and fear...

Family Reunion Pics -