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."
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. Dinner is on your own. Find out what's happening in Lansing — maybe join to go bowling or enjoy the area. The address will be shared in the family group chat.
Friday, July 17
Join us at Uncle Ron and Aunt Sati's home starting at noon for swimming, games, activities, and a welcome reception with dinner at 6:00 PM. We'll celebrate our story together, enjoy music and dancing, and let the festivities begin!
Saturday, July 18
Another full day of activities at Uncle Ron and Aunt Sati's. Swim, play games, view and update our Family Tree. At 4:30 PM watch a family video, then gather for our Family Meeting at 5:00 PM to discuss where we go from here. Celebrate with dinner at 6:00 PM and close out the night with music and dancing.
Sunday, July 19
Check out of your hotel. Optional: attend Mass with Sati and family. Shuttles will transport everyone to the airports for safe travels home.
See full schedule below.
Event Schedule
Thursday, July 16
Dinner on your own
- Find out what's happening – maybe join to go bowling or enjoy Lansing, MI
- See who is arriving and when
Friday, July 17
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Breakfast — on your own or at the hotel
12:00 PM — Join us at Uncle Ron and Aunt Sati — 4250 Mar Moor Dr.
- Light snacks provided
- Swim
- Bounce House (for kids)
- Play Billiards
- Play Ping Pong
- Play Video Games
- Listen to Music
- Look and update Family Tree
- Trivia Game
- Other Board Games
5:00 PM — Welcome, Prayer, Brief Gathering – Our Story
6:00 PM — Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 PM — Music and Dancing
Saturday, July 18
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Breakfast — on your own or at the hotel
12:00 PM — Join us at Uncle Ron and Aunt Sati — 4250 Mar Moor Dr.
- Light snacks provided
- Swim
- Bounce House (for kids)
- Play Billiards
- Play Video Games
- Listen to Music
- View and Update Family Tree
4:30 PM — Family Video
5:00 PM — Family Meeting – Where do we go from here? Celebrations
6:00 PM — Dinner and Dessert
7:00 – 9:00 PM — Music and Dancing
Sunday, July 20
Morning
- Check out the hotel
- Shuttle to airports
- Go to Mass with Sati and Family (Optional)
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.
Flight & Travel Tracker
Help us coordinate transportation and track arrival/departure details. Fill in your flight information so we can organize pickups and drop-offs.
Open Flight Tracker →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
