Summer and Family 2024 - Washington, Oregon, California, Wisconsin
How did summer travel equate to having family reunions? Historically it was most likely because children were on school break and families could plan gatherings. The summer of 2024 was definitely a time for family fun. Are you ready to crisscross the United States and enjoy some family time? Don’t forget your phone for photos and your favorite family story to share!
Let’s start the summer in the Pacific Northwest and a visit with my cousin and her family in Ridgefield, Washington. Jane and Mike sent us a tentative itinerary in our Christmas card and we did not hesitate. They were wonderful hosts and we learned and saw so much.
My cousin, her husband and their daughter planned a fun hike in the Columbia River Gorge for our first day!
Learn More; Columbia River Gorge
We were so fortunate to have their daughter join us for a few activities. Later in the visit we were also able to visit with their son!
So fun hiking with these two lovely women!
Is there a better way to celebrate an adventurous hike than with a visit to a local brewery?
The Oregon Coast
The line for ice cream cones seemed a mile long at Tillamook so creative eaters like us bought a container and shared! Flavor? German Chocolate Cake
Learn more; Tillamook Creamery
Next stop; Astoria, Oregon
My travels lead me down many paths. Some are hiking trails, many are cobblestone streets and some are driveways leading to families' homes. Homes that are always welcoming and full of fun. Time to make more family memories. A theme you will see over and over again in our '24 summer travel.
My cousin's home.
Sometimes an evening of a home cooked meal leads to a chemistry lesson.
(I am not even sure how to explain this!)
Did someone say they like the German dish of Red Cabbage? We found a recipe and it was delicious.
Good times and great memories with our family in the Pacific Northwest!
Mt. St. Helen's
Learn more; Mt. St. Helens
We also visited Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and Portland Japanese Gardens before saying goodbye to our gracious hosts!
California comes to us and we visit California. More family memories.
This time Bob's kids and grandchildren.
A trip to Flagstaff, Arizona. Summer gondola ride and a fun stay in the forest at a friend's home.
Don't blink - you will loose sight of us! Now we are in California visiting kids and grandchildren.
Fun lunch with friends.
Science experiments with the youngest grandchild.
Watching the second youngest grandchild and his basketball game.
Always fun learning what the kids are up to and how much they enjoy their extracurricular activities!
This summer I was fortunate to go to my home state of Wisconsin twice. Both trips revolved around family and I loved every second of both visits!
Family reunions, celebrating birthdays, visiting a lot of family and of course getting together with childhood friends were all part of the itinerary. Oh, did I mention lunch at a cheese store and a Friday fish fry? Are you thirsty for a beer yet?
On the way to the airport in Arizona I met my son for breakfast. What a great way to start a trip!
Guess who I met? My youngest great-nephew James David. His namesakes are my dad (James) and my brother (David-his grandpa). I also met his older sister Ginny! So sweet!
First night in Wisconsin and out for a brew with my brother and my wonderful nieces!
Fourth of July fun at by brother's home.
Sometimes it is time for a Bloody Mary Bar including homemade tomato juice and relaxing in my brother's shop. Yeah, it is a Wisconsin thing!
This little girl knows how to smile. Matilda Jo-my youngest great-niece.
Brewery with family and friends.
My sweet Aunts-my mom's sisters. Always fun visiting them.
David and James David
It has been a long day!
A very special "Granary Dinner" at my aunt's home.
A special Wisconsin Old Fashion recipe!
Another day.....and you guessed it...another fun family celebration! This time a cousin reunion at my cousin's country property. So fun to see cousins who we grew up with and get caught up. It has been years since some of us have seen each other.
"A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."
~Marion C. Garrety
A bit of family history conversation with my aunt. I loved hearing the stories of her childhood!
Another day.....yes you are getting good at predicting.....more fun with family!
I am so lucky! Another beautiful aunt!
My cousin joined us, too!
Friday night in Wisconsin so of course time for a Fish Fry!
A visit to Wisconsin would not be complete without a walk with our friend who is also my brother's mother-in-law.
I cannot really explain the photos above. Something about a "root cellar" and a childhood play area for my cousin.
Carmel Monestary
Denmark, Wisconsin
Learn more; Monastery of the Holy Name of Jesus
Porchfest in Appleton, Wisconsin.
A historic neighborhood with local bands playing on front porches. What a great way to enjoy a summer evening.
A Wisconsin storm is "brewing" (get it?)!
I am so lucky! Another beautiful aunt!
My cousin joined us, too!
Here we are are in a tent is a small Wisconsin town. Is it a church picnic? Is it an outdoor Mass? Is it a brat fry? Is it a polka dance? All of the above? Yes! I love these Wisconsin events.
The summer of 2024 will hold a lot of memories for me. Family and friends welcomed us; into their homes, at their dinner tables and into their towns. Memories were made and we enjoyed every minute.
Thank you!
A happy family is but an earlier heaven.
~George Bernard Shaw
