We kept up the hope, and once we were leaving Kramer Marina on the Shaunodese, welcome patches of blue sky started appearing among the heavy, wet cloud mass.
Twas like someone was listening to our prayers and decided that the timing was now right for a phenomenal official launch of cousins' weekend 2016.
An explanation: these are predominantly first cousins of the Brown clan. Lineage, however, cannot trump "family." And, so "family" it was! And, what a day it turned out to be for this branch of family.
We enjoyed a wonderful, educational cruise on beautiful Lake Pend Oreille in the Hope area and along the Green Monarchs---northernmost point of the Bitteroot Mountains.
Linda Mitchell and her crew do an amazing job of getting everyone fed, watered, etc. while providing an interesting and accurate summary of historical and geological facts about our beloved and awe-inspiring lake.
Cameras were busy, and visiting was prolific as the afternoon just got better and better. Heck, we even talked about getting some additional tan on any skin showing through our multi-layered apparel.
Spirits were high as we left the boat, walked along the dock and promised to meet again at the Lovestead for dinner. Dinner turned out as expected, beautifully prepared lasagna, chicken enchiladas, garlic bread, green salad and the yummiest dessert of "chocolate lasagna."
Thank you, Keli and Laura and the Pack River General Store team of caterers. You're the best!
Thanks also to all family members for making yesterday one for the memory books----the best!
We're not quite finished with our gathering, as we have a brunch, compliments of Mike and Mary at the Thompson Cabin this morning.
Then, we'll all go our separate ways with happy and lasting thoughts of a very special and fun-filled gathering.
Happy Sunday to all. Enjoy the photos.
George Waltho, Steve Watland, Mike Brown |
Amidst the initial dreariness of the cruise, a blast of sunshine enhanced one of the islands at Hope. |
Green Monarchs Eagle |
Kevin and Mike Brown and Loretta Waltho Mayer |
Kenny Skelton |
Laurie Tibbs |
Cruise director extraordinaire Linda Mitchell |
Loretta Waltho Mayer |
Three Mary's: Mary Skelton Watland, Mary Thompson Brown, Mary Skelton |
Mike Brown, George Waltho |
Laurie Tibbs, Kevin Brown, George Waltho, Rita Waltho Magnaghi |
Ed Skelton |
Mike Brown |
Kevin Brown, Pseu-doNym Skelton, Marianne Brown Love, Patti Skelton McGougan, Carol Waltho |
Mary was Skelton, now Watland and Mary now Skelton |
Rita Waltho Magnaghi and Kevin Brown |
Sculpture at Hope for another cousin Rich Aspell who coordinated another cousins' cruise in Chicago a few weeks ago. |
Will and Debbie Love |
Kenny Skelton and Steve Watland |
Mary now Skelton |
Carol Waltho |
Bill Love |
George Waltho |
Barbara Tibbs |
Debbie Love |
Debbie Love and Annie Love |
Laura Eveland from Pack River General Store |
PSEU-do Nym Skelton and Barbara Tibbs |
Laurie Tibbs, Laura Laumatia and Jacob Laumatia |
Kathy Waltho |
Ed Skelton and Will Love |
Paul and PSEU-do-Nym Skelton |
Patti Skelton McGougan |
Awesome Family |
1 comment:
I like it a LOT when you put names below pictures!
Looks like an awesome family indeed.
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