We gathered at the family cabin for the first time since the death of my grandparents, who were so good at making these gatherings special. In loving memory (and instead of a funeral) we held a parade and carnival for my grandmother. My mom carried Grandma’s patriotic umbrella and we all decorated our bicycles, hats, and scooters… and the handcart.
I wore my grandmother’s red boots.
For carnival games, we had a fishing pond, doughnut eating contest, darts, ball games, and face painting.
The kids made little boats to race in rain gutters.
My aunt showed up wearing the old fox stole and the dogs went crazy over it.
My aunt and uncle brought their own brand of silly to the party, which is always expected at a gathering at the Weber.
We revisited the tradition of a sawdust candy hunt.
Next came the rubber ducky races down the river.
The winners were all adults.
Once the duckies came out of the river, we watched the kids tube down the river for hours.
Oh, that Paige and her winning ways.
Mark and Timothy had a good time in the river. Daniel was at youth conference this day.
One theme of the gathering was gratitude, for a legacy of family traditions, a beautiful cabin, and one another. This day would have made my grandmother and grandfather smile.