July 4, 2017 - Mom's Birthday Reunion!

So many things going on at the lodge this month.  First,  we hosted a family reunion to celebrate my mom's 88th birthday just before the 4th of July (with some folks staying on to celebrate the 4th).

Most of our California family was able to attend and extended family flew/drove in from all parts of the U.S.  My mom had the opportunity to see hear sister, 3 of her nephews from New York, Virginia and Oregon, some of their family and her grand-nephew and great grand niece from Missouri.  Additionally, her extended family (my sister-in-law and brother-in-law) flew up from Orange County. And our family friend/handyman and his little boy came in for a day.

Though we did not get a lot of interest in a 2nd annual 5K (not many runners in this group and it was very very hot out), we managed to have a trip up the lake, a trip to Lake Tahoe, a day trip to the falls and a big BBQ.

Mom was so surprised when she walked into the lodge and found her Oregon nephew, her Missouri family, her nephew from New York and her sister there.   We managed to squeeze 33 into the lodge (there will be more at Christmas) 7 in campers and  5 in the hotel down the road.

Photos of this amazing event will be added at a later date.

On July 3rd we went to the Colfax "pre-4th" fireworks.  This event is very casual with folding chairs in a dirt field - but the fireworks are stunning!  The kids were in awe.  Then on the 4th, cousin Rod, Denise, Matt, the boys and assorted other family attended the Dutch Flat 4th Parade.  We have attended for the last 5 years since it is such a fun small town parade.

Just after everyone from the reunion departed, our niece Tina, her husband Joel and 5 kids drove in from Utah for a few days at the lodge, and a few days in the Bay Area.  The kids loved Quincy.  They had such a fun day at Tahoe (Emerald Bay) and some days at the creek and the river  and the lake.


Last week, Mary Beth hosted a reunion with some of her old friends from High School and College.  They loved the lodge and brought up their archery gear and throwing hatchets.

Now we are finally settling into the late season of summer.  This weekend, it will be just Jim, mom and me at the lodge (and possible Lynn and Mary).  Then back to our work schedule of adding the metal roof to the screen room before the snow comes this fall.