Last weekend we went to Rockaway Beach to spend the weekend with Shane's family. Shane's dad Tim was the oldest of six children. He had eleven cousins, all from a single family. The family gathered to honor Tim's cousin Karl who passed away one year ago. Karl's three children were there, as were many of his sisters, his brother and their families. It was a family reunion, of sorts. For me, it was the first time I'd met many of them. There are just so stinkin' many of them. But, in this crowd you feel like an outsider for about ten seconds. After that, you're family. I see why Shane is so proud to be connected to his dad's family. The whole weekend was great, really special. On Sunday we gathered to honor Karl in words and the laying of his ashes to rest in the lake behind the house. It was beautiful.
After breakfast at the house on Saturday, the girls and I headed for the beach.
Brrrrrrr....
This family does happy hour(s).
Peytie has a snuggle with Aunt Susan. Note her latest obsession. Silly Bands.
Pictured here are two things my girls loved about the weekend. #1 is Lauren. #2, pea gravel. We need to get some pea gravel. And we could use a Lauren, too.
Moni left with some of the older kids to get wood for the fire. This is what they came back with. And they put on every last piece, turning the campfire into a bon fire. Our girls were awestruck. Last year, during the same weekend, I witnessed a Groshong male (not Shane) gleefully pouring gasoline, or some other liquid fuel, onto the fire. It turns out Shane's obsession with burning things and big fires is genetic.
The hearth under the wood stove.
Garret and Grunny take each other on one-on-one.
A beautiful tribute to Karl.
Libby and Lauren
Joel, Kelly, Susan and Baby Lucy
Matthew loves fishing. Loves it. He reminds me of someone.
Peyton takes in the lake.
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