The Reunion: The End

So, we packed up the campsite and headed back to Portland (eating lunch at a Burgerville on the Washington side of the river), and after showering off all of the camp-grime Martha and I took the kids on a grand adventure to Powell's bookstore. Martha gives the kids a book or two for their birthday every year, but needed to catch up on the last birthday for all of my kids. They were more than happy to oblige. I swear I could spend a week there without leaving. Maybe more.

After we visited Powell's, we headed to my brother's place for a 4th of July barbecue. He has a great big yard that's perfect for the kids to run around in. For real, see?

With such pretty flowers, too.

We lost my brother, Rib, and his family to further adventures, and my sister, Opera, too, but the rest of us were there. It was a nice and relaxing end to our reunion. I sure am glad the cousins get along so well together.

Luckily the adults were still getting along, too. You never know with these family reunion things. (Ems is included with the adults, of course, now that she's 21)

I was just happy that even my own little family (I use the term loosely, of course) still seemed to be getting along. 

I loved seeing my family members having such a great time together. "Hey, stop talking for a second so I can take a picture of you."

Whatever.

We crashed for the night at my sister, Martha's, house and headed for home the next morning. We left Bud there until the end of the month (lucky duck). He didn't seem too broken up about it. 

We were all so bummed to be leaving the place we love so much. At least the kids had their books from Powell's to ease the pain.

Guess I should have gotten something for myself, too. It was a great family reunion in a fantastic place. Can't wait until next time.