Best of Summer

 Last week was the best of summer.  Cam and Jill were in charge of CSC this year, and it was especially fun to introduce three new spouses/fiances to our family traditions Ellie, Britin and Dylan.  It was just Tony and I and Cooper represented our kids.  We had all the usual traditions including swimming the river (I got my butt kicked by 11 year old Sophie), the birth order canal, and amazing food.  We brought a whole suitcase of banana bread and Cinnaburst bread to make french toast from St George.  Jeff and Stacey made ropa vieja, a cuban dish and Chelsea and Tyler wowed us with Popeye Style Chicken sandwiches.  Aunt Kimberly's crepes are always a hit, because she brings every topping possible.  Cam and Jill did quesabirria the first night which set a dang high food standard.  Cameron brought an airchair and Tyler brought a surf foil so we doubled our opportunities for injury.  Turns out, our greatest injuries were bee stings-the hornets were terrible.  Our youngest kiddo this year was Finn and he provided hours of entertainment with his quirky sense of humor and "would you rather" questions.  We added two new awesome traditions including a cherry spitting contest and family Kareoke night.  Cooper knocked everyone's socks off singing "Your Man" by Josh Turner.  Nothing I like better than hearing my kids sing.  Like any family gathering, we experienced hurt feelings and consequences of poor choices.  What I was grateful for, was the pattern of communication, apology and forgiveness that make families stronger.