Week 1030-1032 - Mattson Reunion 2026 - 05-31-2026

Mattson Reunion 2026

Who are the Mattsons?

The Mattsons came from Europe. Our father, Walter, is 100% Swedish. Mom, Virginia, is a blend of German, Austrian and Polish. Both parents resided in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.

After moving to Burlington, the four children were born: Douglas, Donnalee, Michael and Peter.

In 1956 the family moved to Santa Maria, California > 1957 Albert Lee, Minnesota > 1958 Orcutt, California > 1959 back to Santa Maria, California where the kids all graduated from Santa Maria High School. Over the last few decades, Michael lived in Belgrade, Montana; Donnalee in Green Valley, Arizona; and Pete in Atascadero, California. While Pete and Ellen's children remain in California, Pete and Ellen recently moved to Casa Grande, Arizona. Sadly, our oldest brother Douglas passed away in 1965 at age 21.

The majority of our Mattson relatives are in Minnesota, thus those reunions never happened. Donnalee, Michael and Pete have only gathered a few times since moving out of California. Thus this is our first reunion of the Mattson siblings in a long time. Michael began planning this last year. Our oldest daughter Emily and husband Chad, graciously hosted the reunion at their home in Butte Valley, California. Our sons John, Nicholas and Andrew could not attend, as well as nephew Eric from Colorado.

Emily and Chad's beautiful property.

A view from Steamboat Rock overlooking Butte Valley. The reunion site is smothered in trees along a year-round creek.

Folks arrived for this three day extravaganza with plenty to do.

After a great spaghetti meal on Saturday night, we attended Sunday church at The Table Church. Our granddaughter, Coralyn, is to be baptized along with six others.

"We baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit". Pastor Jaymes officiates with Emily's help.

Fun and games abound at home: socializing, corn hole, croquet, swimming and more.

Daughter Emily and Donnalee enjoy the beautiful weather. Daughter Melissa, son-in-laws Chad and Mario cool off as well.

Surprise entertainment. What are they looking at?

It's grandson Zeb climbing up a huge redwood tree, attaining a 50 foot height. Zeb has been a climber his whole life. Even his sisters give it shot.

Reunions are for family and friends. We were joined by Chad's parents and two families close the Emily and Chad.

Spaghetti and sausage, tacos and burritos and barrel chicken done to perfection thanks to Chad. Donnalee's life long friend, Don, joined us for these fabulous meals.

And who wouldn't want to come for Square Dancing. Michael spent a great deal of time prepping for and calling the dances.

No this is not Square Dancing, but some wild dancing that the teenagers and Chad and Emily all seemed to know.

On Monday it was off to play pickleball at Durham Community Park. Michael was new to PB and Mario had only played a few games before. Everyone got in a some games and as always everybody had fun. Durham school is where Chad went from kindergarten to 12th grade. Now Emily teaches math there, full time, and Chad substitute teaches often.

It got warm so off we go to Lime Saddle Marina for a free float to cool off.

Back home and it's time for more games: lots of corn hole, a crowd favorite. And a few rounds of Kan-Jam. This is a Frisbee game where you toss the Frisbee and your partner slaps the Frisbee into the Kan. A great game if you love bruises or you never want the use of your hands again!

The reunion gang: The Mattsons and offspring, husbands and their offspring. Pictured bottom left is nephew Eric and Lena who video chatted with Pete, Michael and Donnalee. On the right is grandson Austin; and son Andrew who also video chatted. We did not have a current photo of Eric so we posted this from 2007. Wow! They look good."

Not able to get to the reunion. 1) Our son John with Emma and Avery. 2) Our son Nicholas with Hayley, Mirac and Max (not pictured).

A fun filled weekend. Many thanks to Michael for proposing the event; Emily for organizing; Chad for great meals; and all that came to join us.

With love, Pete and Ellen

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25

Photos from May 2026 and some really old photos