Hall on one Side . . . Gray on the Other . . . and there were lots of relatives from both sides of the family at the Bicentennial.

St. Francisville is the second oldest town in Illinois (after Shawneetown 1810). The city celebrated its 200th anniversary during the 4th of July weekend and we enjoyed a toasty family reunion that featured four straight days of 100+ degree temperatures. I mean it was HOT!

The Gray side of our family can trace its roots to St. Francisville's founding family -- the Tougaws -- and the Hall side of our family became part of this little town on the banks of the Wabash River more than 100 years ago. Initially, it was an important trading post along the river. Then the area became a prosperous agricultural area and that continued even after oil was discovered about 100 years ago. Today, sadly, like so many small, rural communities St. Francisville struggles. But on this weekend, it gave its best.

There were fireworks and parades . . . new relatives to meet and others with whom to reacquaint . . . cows to be fed and a 5K fun to run or walk. The Indian dancers persevered, the aerial acrobats maintained their sense of humor and the black power boys helped some of us stay focused.

It was a great weekend. Nothing beats family.

Grandma Betty -- as she's now known to her youngest great grandchildren (6 under age 5 with another due in October) -- was a wonderful hostess.