The Long Memorial Day weekend gathered many of our family together in different environments in person and with the help of media. We enjoyed seeing loved ones near and far enjoying each other and growing together. Relationships grow intentionally with the help of God. We love each other, correct each other, sharpen each other, forgive each other and encourage each other. God builds these relationships on the foundation of His saving grace and His forgiveness. Because He has forgiven us much we can forgive and love others.
Some snapshots from Arizona where cousins got together for their annual Memorial Day Weekend in Surprise.
Our son Dan gifted Jamie with the weekend away while he stayed home and was Mister Mom. Our DIL’s enjoyed lots of ‘girl’ time with our nieces from California and Arizona.
Our oldest son and some of our nephews from California and Arizona had their annual golf tournament and for the first time it ended in a tie!
The cousins, original and by marriage! These are our kids, my sister Vera’s and my sister Kathy’s.
On Saturday our son Dan came over with Addy and JJ for fun and dinner with Baba and Gramps.
There was an inspection of the hole dug for the new hydrant.
A vehicle got washed and a couple kids got soaked.
Big Wheels were brought out of storage.
This year all the effort to get those wheels moving were up to Addy and JJ. We did not have to give them a push or carry the Big Wheels up to the top of the walkway.
There was a lot of exploring on our acreage.
Some searching of unsuspecting bugs commenced.
They know to not disturb the Bumble Bees.
After all this outside fun we all came in and enjoyed a crock pot roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes, carrots and broccoli, more conversation, reading a story book and time to head home for bed. We are proud of our son for giving his dear wife the gift of a much deserved break from her constant excellent mothering. He is a great hands on dad to Addy and JJ.
Our daughter and her hubby enjoyed some outside time on the weekend, too. We love seeing their smiling faces and that beautiful rhododendron in their front yard.
We were blessed with amazing weather over the Memorial Day Weekend. That is something we do not take for granted here in the Pacific Northwest!
On Sunday after church we took an hour long drive to Curlew Lake State Park to enjoy some time with several families from our church who were camping together. We had some long conversations, enjoyed dinner together and then headed back home. We crossed the beautiful Columbia River at Lake Roosevelt going and coming back home.
On Monday, Memorial Day we had some rain and thunder in the morning and I thought I’d have to move my mowing to Tuesday but the sun broke through and dried things up enough for my weekly mow. I’m happy for God to water my Spring planters! Our deep red peonies are the first to pop here so I’ll show them sometime soon.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
It sounds like a great weeked was had by all!
…a great family roundup!
Happy times and new memories, great family photos.
Take care, hope you have a great day!
I know the weather is not always beautiful there, but when it is, it truly is. I love the rhododendron. My daughter and I went to a rhododendron garden when she lived there, I think it was in Federal Way. It was absolutely magnificent, so many varieties and color and the size was crazy. How fun for the cousins to have reunions and yay to Dad for giving mom the gift of time away. I think it makes us better mothers. Have a nice week!
It looks like the cousins definitely enjoyed their time together. It’s so nice that not only do the girls have things planned to do together for fun but love it that the guys have their annual golf tournament! SO fun.
It looks as though Addy and JJ were having a wonderful time as well. Always fun to go to see Baba and Gramps. xx
It looks like another special gathering over Memorial Day Weekend. Thoroughly enjoyed going through all the photos. Thanks for sharing them Ellen, and enjoy the rest of your week.
Fun times for everyone. 🙂
Nice family photos!
What great family time everyone had! You are surrounded by lots of beauty. I’m sure you don’t take it for granted. Your grandkids are lucky that you have such a great place for them to explore :).
I am so impressed. Those family gatherings are so wonderful. I love that they do that. The pictures are awesome!