rushley & crew

Family has always been a big deal to me. That is one reason that Russ and I have made it a priority to go to every Holmes family reunion since we've been married (that's four now!). The other reason is that Russ's family knows how to throw a good reunion! Every even year, there is a reunion of all the posterity of Russ's paternal grandparents--so basically, all his aunts, uncles, cousins, and children of cousins. The aunts and uncles rotate through who plans the reunion, so it's a little different every time, but always fun because so many people make the effort to come. I really feel like I know a lot of Russ's cousins because of these reunions! Every odd year, there is a reunion of all the posterity of Russ's paternal great-grandparents. There are a lot more people I don't  know at these reunions, partially because these reunions are just a few hours long, and partially because any time I spend talking to people is usually spent talking to the exte...

+ Having relatively smooth travel. Since Russ's dad is a pilot, we get cheap stand-by tickets, which is great for our wallets, but not always so great for our sanity. It can get rough not knowing whether or not you're actually going to get on the flights you want, or even if you'll make it to the event at all! But we got to and from Seattle with relatively few mishaps :) + The gorgeous Orcas Island. Everything was so green and I loved being near a lake! + Family everywhere! I literally have the best in-laws ever. I love every time I get to be with them! It was also great to get to know some of Russ's extended family better. I've been in the family for two years now, and I've been to every reunion there's been in that time (three of them!), and I still didn't feel like I knew very many people very well, so this time I tried to get to know more people, which was fun :)  + No cell service! Sometimes it's nice to just unplug and ...