Family Reunion Part 23

This is approximately half of the group - heading out for a hike.

Every single July since 1992, my mother's side of the family has gathered for a huge family reunion.  Not everyone makes it every time, but with 42 members, it's always a large group. We've gone on cruises, stayed in lake and beach houses, and camped in California, Oregon and Washington.

I love that every year I get to spend time with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course, this special guy.

Grandpa Ed will be 97 in a month, and he's still going strong.  He loves to point out that none of us would be here if it weren't for him!

This year we camped at Silver Falls, Oregon.  The weather was sunny and hot, and the park was beautiful.  

The only bad thing was the trek to the bathroom, which was SO FAR from our cabins.  Every night I completely freaked myself out walking there at 2am. Trust me, this path that looked so beautiful during the day was ominous in the dark. I felt like I was walking "Into The Woods...."

We ate a lot, played games, had campfires, went swimming and talked late into the night.  

Playing Heads Up

Lots and lots of pinochle

One of the best parts of this campground was the hiking.  A four mile loop took us past seven beautiful waterfalls.

This was my favorite because we were able to walk behind it.

The only one who didn't have much fun was my poor mom.  She slipped on her cabin steps on the second day and broke her arm and badly bruised her ribs. On Friday we took her back to the doctor, who set it and put her in a brace for now. We'll find out tomorrow if she needs surgery. 

I'm so thankful for these people.  No matter what is going on in our lives, we pause for a week each July to laugh and share and enjoy each other's company. They've taught me what family is all about, and I've been able to pass that gift on to my boys.

Can't wait for next year!