Our extended family decided to spend a long weekend at Lake Chelan, at this resort
, across the mountains, where the chance of it being sunny and hot are much better than the wet and soggy west. It was the perfect combo of pool, freezing (!) clear lake water, borrowed kayaks or canoes, and just generally taking it easy. We met every night for a fabulous dinner with wine and way too many cards. (Or the other way around, depending on your perspective!)
Kids in the raft (pulled by N, Intrepid Swimmer Extraordinaire)
J takes a rare quiet moment, (far away from the children)
Step away from the cribbage board!
Cutie pie E shares a Popsicle with mama.
C explains how it is. (To a two year old.)
The crazy uncle.
Daddy and Zuzu
The Cousins.
Determined toddler on a mission.
Last night festivites.
I have to say, one of The benefits of returning to the Northwest has been getting to know my cousins again. In the 12 years that I was living on the east coast, they grew up! And became lovely people! (Well, of course!). Reestablishing those relationships has been great fun and I'm happy to have them in my circle.
There was a time when all these folks were so far away, Booboo hardly knew we had extended family. I'm so happy that she now know her cousin S, her Uncle Uncle D, and as my brother wisely pointed out, perhaps it took being far away to really appreciate the value of family. And you know, for once (!), he's probably right. Now I tell Booboo we're family rich, and she believes me.