The Annual Phosie-Gertie Picnic, 2015 Version

Why change what works?  Except for the fact that the weather was iffy for a while, everything was wetted down after the previous night's thunder storms, and it remained chilly and cloudy, we managed to pull it all together.

After a morning of preparation, we all gathered beneath the flag pole for the raising of the Phosie-Gertie flag and the singing of the Phosie-Gertie song. 

 Jill was Mistress of Ceremonies and cousins Isaac and Brian did the flag raising honors. 

 While we had everyone corralled we moved into the taking of the official group photo.  There were 40 of us.  We were pleased to be joined this year by the California Reeders, Tom and Jan's brother Dave, wife Vicki, and their daughter Julie and her family; husband Dave and kids Brian and Sarah. 

 Formality continued with the honoring of the Direct Descendants. Grandchildren presented their Elders with the trapping of their rank in the family. 

 The Direct Descendants were all very happy that they did not have to wear funny hats this year. 

 The Saddle Shoe Award ( you have to be a member of the family to understand why this is so named) was presented by last year's winner Marli and family to 

 this year's winner, Julie, and family, for the very fact that they got here after many years without them. 

Because we had lots of folks staying overnight, we needed a third cabin, and the California Reeders rented the cabin across the street.  It was there that we gathered for the beach activities. 

 Partners were selected for the water balloon toss. Jake even got into the action. 

 As the distance increased, the numbers dwindled as soggy participants left the action. 

 And the winners - Marli and Brian! 

 Next up - the sand castle contest. This years's theme was Anthropogenic Climate Change. For those of us not in the know, that big word means "human caused". 

 After time expired, each group explained their "exhibit". 

 There were some sincere expressions of the need to Renew, Reuse, Recycle!

 The winning team created Washington Washing Away, with sea water actually encroaching in the west and seaweed wildfires burning in the east. 

 Jill then captured the kids with promises of CANDY! They got their bags and their instructions for the candy scramble.

 Afterward they met to count and trade.

 Isaac set up shop. 

 The twins took it all in from a high perch in a time of visiting and final preparations. 

Tom caught me catching him. 

Time for hors d'oeuvres. 

 The kids played on - dodgeball for the daring. 

 Visiting has taken on an electronic mode. 

 Time to eat!

See the fireless fire pit.  The island was still under a burn ban.

There was more visiting and eating and playing and cleaning up on into the evening before the dispersal began and groups returned home or sought their age groups to carry on. Kids were rounded up about the time elders were going to bed. 

Some of us were a little foggy in the morning, but were happy for the promise of a clear day ahead and good memories of another Phosie-Gertie Picnic.