There really aren’t any WOES but it flowed in the title better than “bumps, bruises, aches, pains, missed deadlines, and cramps.”

We had a super time in Northern Michigan visiting my Parents.   

We gathered.

As we “kids” get older and our families grow, we don’t get to spend much time together.  Scheduling, location, and holiday obligations with other sides of the family make it difficult for us all to be in one place for quality time together.  We all made it to the cabin for a couple days and nights of family fun and drama.

We bonded

The last of my three brothers to get married has finally popped the question.  Previously I have not had much time to get to know my future sister in law.  After being subjected to supersized doses of her future sisters in law, “active” nieces & nephews, the future mother & father in law, and being whipped off the tube at high speeds and choppy waters by her future brothers in law…. we hope she comes back because we think she’s pretty special.

We cheated

And by “we” I mean “I”.  When we get together we eat and snack and rub our bellies.  It’s tradition.  My dear Family was very concerned and not at all snarky about being able to accommodate my new eating habits.  Although I brought hummus and veggies, it was the taco salad and deluxe pizza that satisfied me this weekend! I didn’t “slip” or succumb to a craving.  I simply decided to eat meat because it was easier and I am not quite confident with my vegetarian expertise in keeping hydrated and fueled up for days of nonstop action in the sun and on the water.  (also, Sissy in Law’s taco salad is AMAZING!)

We learned

• Being thrown off the tube hurts more than it used to.  It leaves bruises and aches and pain all over. The morning after feels like a hangover.
• The “little girls” that live next door to the cabin are getting older just like us.  Except as we’re getting stiffer and “rounder” and grouchier, they are getting firmer and cuter and sweeter.  My stomach hurts from sucking my tummy in when standing next to them.
• My Parents are nuts.  We ate all their food, stole their gas, ran over their mailbox, dripped water through the house, got sick, fought with eachother, slept in their bed, and poked fun with them all weekend, yet they never really want us to leave. 

Maybe the title should have been 4th of July WONDERS!  Wonderful is what my family is to me!

Hopefully you all had a similar weekend of fun and food in the sun with your wonderful families.  Did you do any special bonding?  Suffer any tubing injuries?