What an unforgettable week-end we have lived! One can tell that this first meeting of the Vadnais family has been a great success.
We couldn't dream of a more beautiful weather. It was like the sun was celebrating with us all the weekend.
We have been warmly welcomed by the peoples at Mont-Sainte-Anne and the chosen activities have been appreciated.
Those who have thought: "too long, too expensive," have rapidly realized that they got their money's worth and that it was rather too short, than too long !
Meal that have been served could satisfy the most difficult of us. Many thanks to all those who were present and who have made a great event of this meeting !
We have welcomed a dozen different family, among whom was David Vadnais from Missouri. He has learnt by luck, that a meeting was going to be hold and has made 1,300 miles to come to see us. Only a Vadnais could make such a thing! Bravo David! By the way, he promised that when he would return next year, he would speak French.
We have also received news of a Vadnais from Alberta, that has provided us with his family tree, he his interested by everything related to the Vadnais family. Guess there is some more work to come for Laurier and Gervaise. Peoples warmly applauded Laurier for his Website. Congratulation and thank you Laurier.
Raoul, the live wire of the family was at his best, peoples have appreciated his humour a lot.
Clemence Vadnais, our elder, 82 years old, was delighted to meet her distant cousins, and her "guardian angel" Bernard, our future priest, has taken great care of her. She was all smiles, our Clemence.
The visit of the Sainte-Anne basilica as well as of the cyclorama was very appreciated, especially by Americans. The dinner on the terrace was equally the most agreeable!
After the dinner, on the way for the summit of the Mount Sainte-Anne, the "gondoles" were waiting for us, and even the most fearful have gotten up there and have been able to appreciate the magnificent panorama. After a small walk on the Mount Sainte-Anne, those who desired it could even take a drive in a "boghei".
Our Sandra received her initiation in the family with this escapade. Jean—Luc challenged her : "If you are a true Vadnais, you come." As one can guess Sandra wanting to prove us that she was a true Vadnais overcame her fear and got up. A cheer for you, Sandra!
Nevertheless, some were afraid the the have had fear to loose their entry ticket in the ticket machine, and that made the regular skiers laugh a lot.
Before supper, most of the people made a jump in the indoor swimming pool and in the whirlpool bath. Just to give them an appetite!
For the supper, we enjoyed an excellent lamb barbecue. As people brought their wine, the atmosphere was festive.
After supper, Jean-Luc presented us a short video showing his father Lucien (90 years, one of the oldest of the Vadnais) explaining to us how his parent lived and worked; he also has told us that he was sorry not to be among us, that he loved us all very much and he even sang for us, in French and English, nothing less.
What a wonderful evening! We sang, danced, fraternized! Nelson Boyce had brought his accordion and he played several pieces for our pleasure. Many of us sang folksongs including our dear Clemence and Rita, and it was around midnight, please.
The evening was so agreeable that even the oldest left around one o'clock, at closing time.
On Sunday morning, many of us had agreed to go to the Bailica for the mass. But, due to a misunderstanding, Clemence was waiting for someone to take her at her condo, while the cars were waiting at the entrance. Dear Clemence, when she come out the mass was almost finished.
Raoul has teased Clemence a lot and, by the way, he teased everybody at the same time.
After the brunch, the exchange of addresses and again some photographs, Clemence, as our patriach, blessed all the family, wished to all an excellent trip back home, but she added that the "mass still rankled her." This of course made everyone laugh.
 After a last group photograph, everyone formed a ring and sang with tears in the eyes : "Ce n'est qu'un au revoir". Emotion was palpable!
People kissed each other and promised to be there next time.
Americans returned delighted by their trip, and "paré back à revenir anytime".
Thanks to all those who have wanted to live this first event with us, and you shall be assured that we think of a next meeting... for next year perhaps! Don't hesitate to contact us and send your comments. All assistance and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hoping to meet you again!
Written by Mrs Gervaise Vadnais
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