For years, members of the Westendorf family got together for an annual family reunion, as well as to celebrate family birthdays.

Now they can have a family reunion every day.

The remaining five children of Ben and Ella Westendorf all live in Shady Oaks in Albert Lea. Jeanette Westendorf Herfendahl, 88, has lived there for 26 years. Alice

Westendorf Okland Nack, 90, has lived there for 18 years. Anna Westendorf Lien, 86, has lived there for 17 years. Helen Westendorf Pedersen, 81, and her husband Leslie Pedersen moved in on Oct. 5. and Raymond Westendorf, 79, moved in later that month.

Jeanette said she’s always enjoyed living in the building. &uot;It’s always been nice &045; nice and clean and friendly,&uot; she said.

Helen said she and Leslie chose to move there because she had sisters already living there. The family has always been close, she said.

&uot;They sure keep us entertained here,&uot; Ray said, adding, &uot;I even have my meals right here.&uot;

He said he also likes the fact that he no longer has to shovel snow.

It’s not unusual for the siblings to get together for card games &045; sometimes even twice a day. They enjoy Sequence and Uno in particular.

Then there’s coffee and a treat. &uot;They’re all good cooks,&uot; Ray said of his sisters. &uot;I’ve gained weight since I moved here.&uot;

The sisters are appreciative of Ray as well. He is the official chauffeur for any of their outings, taking them to the hairdresser or shopping.

&uot;I enjoy it,&uot; he said with a smile. &uot;I love to shop.&uot;

The siblings aren’t the only ones who are enjoying their close proximity.

For the past several years, the family has had its annual reunion at Shady Oaks, said Marilyn Olson, Alice’s daughter. &uot;It’s so convenient.&uot;

Jeanette had her whole family, including children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren over for a Thanksgiving celebration in Shady Oaks’ community room. &uot;Then she invited all of us, too,&uot; Anna said.

Family members like the fact that the siblings are all together again. &uot;I think it gives the children piece of mind,&uot; Olson said.

&uot;And when they come to visit, they can see all of us,&uot; added Helen.

Most of the siblings were born near Buffalo Center, Iowa. The Pedersens moved to Shady Oaks from Kiester, Alice from Grafton, Iowa, Jeanette and Ray from Emmons, and Anna from Lake Mills, Iowa. Of German-Dutch heritage, they all married full-blooded Norwegians.

Other residents of Shady Oaks think it’s neat that the siblings are together once again.

&uot;They think it’s great,&uot; Ray said. &uot;They save one table so we can all sit together.&uot;