The 2023 Annual Phosie-Gertie Family Picnic.

 

Our annual clan gathering on Whidbey Island was a little smaller this year since we had had a big celebration in July for Tom's brother Dave's 80th birthday. 

The weather was iffy, heavy clouds and chilly, so we did most of our gathering inside. It didn't rain, however, and we had our traditional flag raising and anthem singing and our official photo outside. 

We also did our "honoring" outside. 

Jill organized the "youngsters", a small bunch this year, to present the regalia to the elders. 

Jill and Scott were inducted into the "50's"  club, as our "youngers" are not so young anymore. 

Martha and Jan were awarded the Saddle Shoe Award ( family cabin history, an insider joke) for planning the original Phosie-Gertie Picnic 50 years ago, and many others since then.

A benefit of having our kids all grown up is that they can now do all of the work. :-)

We skipped the games this year in favor of eating and lots of visiting. The food was abundant and delicious. The visiting was relaxed and continuous. Those Grandmothers, Phosie and Gertie, were even included in the conversation. They would be proud. 

Another Phosie-Gertie Picnic is now in the record books, and summer can wind down. We noted, though, that the cabin is fully booked by family through the month of September. Lazy days can linger here on island time.