Nichols-Harper Family Reunion
Save the Date
July 16–19, 2026 • Lansing, MI • 3:00 PM
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Welcome to the Nichols-Harper Family Reunion 2026
Celebrating the 70th birthdays of Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Vanessa — and honoring all family milestones this year.
In 1874, James Emanuel Best was born in Barbados, West Indies. His mother, Elizabeth (Eliza) Walker (b. 1856), began a lineage that would span continents. On another branch, Adam Nicholls (b. 1812, Barbados) had a great-grandson, Mortimer Augustus (Nicholls) Nichols (b. 1894).
From West Africa to Barbados, through Panama and Cuba, to the United States — our story continues. Join us as we honor our heritage and build new memories together.
"God has blessed our family, and we want to take time out to give thanks and be with each other. Join us as we fill the branches of our tree and share our historical past, present realities, and future hopes and dreams."Pay Reunion Fee ↓
Family Reunion Adventure: Itinerary
Celebrating Togetherness in Lansing
Thursday, July 16
Arrival Day! Family members trickle in throughout the day — check your airport lists for details. The festivities kick off with a Welcome Reception at Uncle Ron and Aunt Sati's home from 5:00 to 8:30 PM. Enjoy delicious food, mingle with relatives, pick up your reunion tee shirts, and grab the latest schedule for the weekend. The address will be shared in the family group chat.
Friday, July 17
It's Lansing Day! Choose your own adventure from the activities sheet — there's something for everyone. Whether you're sightseeing or shopping, today's meals are on your own, so savor some local flavor!
Saturday, July 18
Start the morning with breakfast on your own, then reconvene at Uncle Ron and Aunt Sati's for an afternoon of Fun and Games beginning at noon. Lunch is provided as we play Family Jeopardy, update our Family Tree, and enjoy a refreshing swim (don't forget your bathing suit!). In the evening, gather for Dinner & Celebration from 6:00 to 9:00 PM as we celebrate birthdays, achievements, and everything going on in the family.
Sunday, July 19
Share a spiritual moment together at Mass from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, then say your farewells as the reunion wraps up and everyone heads home at 1:00 PM. Safe travels!
See full schedule below.
Event Schedule
Thursday, July 16
5:00 – 8:30 PM — Welcome Reception
Family arrives (various airports). Welcome Reception at Uncle Ron and Aunt Sati's home (address in family group chat). Food provided.
- Pick up final schedule
- Pick up reunion tee shirts
- Pick up things to do in Lansing
Friday, July 17
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Lansing on Your Own
All day — see Lansing at your own pace. Meals are on your own today. Check the activities sheet for ideas!
Saturday, July 18
Noon – 9:00 PM — Fun, Games & Dinner
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Breakfast on your own
12:00 – 5:00 PM — Fun and Games at Uncle Ron and Aunt Sati's
- Family Jeopardy
- Updating the Family Tree
- Swimming (don't forget your bathing suit!)
6:00 – 9:00 PM — Dinner and Celebration
- Celebrating Uncle Ron's birthday
- Celebrating Aunt Vanessa's birthday
- Celebrating all summer birthdays and achievements
- What's going on in the family
- Next Time
Sunday, July 19
9:00 – 10:30 AM — Mass
1:00 PM — Family departs for home. Safe travels!
Travel & Lodging
Location: Lansing, Michigan
Airports
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) — 94 miles — metroairport.com
- Gerald Ford International Airport — Grand Rapids (GRR) — 55 miles — grr.org
- Lansing Airport (LAN) — 3 miles — flylansing.com
Host Hotel
We've secured special group rates at the Hampton Suites Lansing West. Rates include breakfast, free parking, and WiFi. It is a 7-minute drive from Uncle Ron and Aunt Sati's house. Group code and booking link coming soon.
| Date | 1 King w/ Sofabed | 1 King Studio Suite | 2 Queen Beds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jul 16 | $119 | $129 | $119 |
| Fri, Jul 17 | $119 | $129 | $119 |
| Sat, Jul 18 | $119 | $129 | $119 |
Activities
- Lansing.org events (check out the visitor inspiration guide)
- Zap Zone XL
- Zoo
Reunion Fee
$55 per family
Covers Saturday food and a special gift.
Family Photos & Memories
After the reunion, we'll share a Google Photos Album so everyone can upload and view pictures from the event.
Family Photo Wall coming soon
