We have a tradition of spending Independence weekend in Chelan with my aunt and uncle and family.  It is always a wonderful and restful weekend.

This year was not without its drama.  Within the first 15 minutes of being there, 'A' injured his finger on one of the outdoor lounge chairs.  Running over to me and David, with a pained expression and holding his finger, I immediately left for ice and a towel.

Returning, I see David holding 'A's finger and blood is running all down his arm.  I compressed it with the ice and towel and waited a while before taking a peek.  After a couple of minutes, we took a look.  Not good.  The top layer of his skin on his index finger had been ripped and flipped up.  I was thinking and ER visit might be in order for stitches, but mentioned that they would probably just use skin glue.  My uncle said he had some, so we set up our own ER in the kitchen.  It was a success and he was able to enjoy the rest of the week, with many waterproof bandage changes.

Here is our little trooper...

My cousin Katy, niece P, and 'R' got a hold of my camera for some fun shots...

Watersports are a must and 'P' did an amazing job on the wakeboard...

For those of you who have known me a long time you know that our family has a costume party on the 4th with a different state theme every year.  My aunt creates a scrumptious dinner that correlates with that state.  This year was "Alaska":

My wonderful aunt Annie and the feast (including salmon, steak, and shrimp...)

OK....drumroll......commence with costumes.....

Here we have: a Moose, Ketchican :), the Aurora Borealis, and a Crab Pot


The Runkel clan...they don't get out much

My mom, niece, and uncle...

Grizzly and boys...

'A', telling Uncle Artie, "I knew it was you!  I knew it was you!"

My cousin Jenna, her DH Charles, and baby 'H'...

My cousin Brett, and 'A'...

My aunt Annie :)


I used glow sticks and it just wasn't showing well in light, so we had some fun with them in the dark...

I love my family!


"Please, may I have more???"


We near the end of a fabulous weekend...our 'R' has a penchant for tipping chairs... tipping a chair backwards and landing facedown on concrete...

All better...

Same time, next year...