Since Octoere 2013, October has meant more than pumpkins and falling leaves for the Crawford family—it has meant gathering at Acorns Resort on Lake Milford, just north of Junction City, Kansas. What began as a simple family getaway has grown into a cherished tradition filled with campfires, games, and plenty of laughter.
A Weekend by the Lake
Each year, the cabins at Acorns Resort become a temporary home where everyday routines give way to the slower rhythm of the lake. The days are spent walking along wooded trails, piecing together puzzles, watching football, and simply enjoying the company of family. Evenings gather everyone around the fire, where stories are shared under a sky full of stars.
Around the Campfire
The tradition began with three siblings—Dave, Terry, and Marcia Crawford—bringing their families together. Over the years, the circle around the fire has included:
- Dave and Kathy Crawford with their daughter Katie, her husband Lucas Loughmiller, and their daughter Stella. Dave and Kathy’s son, Mathew, also attends with his wife Laura and their children Lula and Mac.
- Terry and Tina Crawford with their daughters Lauren (and her husband Jeremiah Driessel) and Sarah (with her boyfriend Gannon).
In earlier years, the family matriarch, Roberta, joined the gatherings, her presence deeply felt even after health prevented her from attending. Mike, Marcia’s husband, also came for a time, though his smoke allergy eventually kept him away from the campfire.
Traditions Old and New
No weekend is complete without a few rounds of silly games like “20 Questions” about animals. Someone is always working on a puzzle while others cheer on a football game. Walks by the lake and late-night star gazing have become yearly rituals, grounding the family in simple joys.
Why It Matters
What began as one weekend away has turned into a touchstone for the Crawford family, a reminder that traditions don’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. In gathering at Acorns Resort each October, the family has built a legacy of laughter, connection, and shared memories—stories that will be told for years to come.
