We have a family tradition where we spend our 4th go July together with my mom’s side of the family. they have been costume parties and it has been a special part of our boy’s childhood.
This year, we had planned to shift location to my brother’s house and also include our dad’s side of the family. But Covid kind of squashed those plans. Instead, we had an outdoor gathering with just our dad’s side.
We drove form CA to Bend, OR. and spent one night at one of our favorite places, McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School. We stayed in their Family Suite, a large three bedroom suite up two flights of stairs. Aside from the stairs, and lugging all our stuff up, it was a really neat place for us. Too bad it was only for one night.
The boys actually stayed at their uncle’s place, but spent some down time with us too. 
Large lobby deck overlooking golf course
Family time at my brother’s! My cousin brought a whole pig to roast. We spent the weekend soaking up precious time together.
Lol! My brother successfully hunted a vole that has been tearing up his yard. One of many… 
Licking up the drippings… 
I love my family!! 
On our last night, my niece KK and her boyfriend Jesse made a magnificent steak dinner for us at their new place!
Heading home, we spent another two nights again in Bend. While walking the park, I found a check that was a paycheck from a local bookstore. Decided to deliver the check personally and discovered another wonderful spot to get lost in Bend for a while!! Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe
Stairwell at the bookstore