We once again made the annual trek to Southern California to be with family and play tourist for a bit, this time at Exposition Park. We also get the opportunity to thaw out a bit in the warmer weather.

We had a quiet 4th of July in Missoula. We spent a bit of time with Ken and Karen, which is always fun. We also got to see the base of operations for smokejumpers.

We continued along the Idaho panhandle, having lunch at Lolo pass. Then on to Missoula for dinner with a group of my Montana family.

The Winkle Family reunion came to an end, so we went to the Idaho panhandle and back into Pacific Time.

Another full day of the Winkle Family Reunion. This time with lunch in the park, a stroll through campus, and a short hike along a segment of the Oregon Trail.

A full day with the Winkles started with a hike, continued with a big group lunch and a walking tour of downtown, and ended with a pizza night.

Our first time driving through Eastern Oregon and Southern Idaho was rewarded with great views. We also got to see lots of Winkles, wandered a bit around downtown Boise, and even acquired boots for Melody.

Our time in Yakima came to an end, as it was time to start making our way towards Boise. First, however, we toured the Hanford B Reaactor, then spent the night in Pendleton.

This was a hiking day, or at least attempt to hike day. The temperature cooperated while we were out and about, and we got back to the house and relaxed when it got hotter.

Vacation time again. This time we’re doing a road trip, anchored around a family reunion and swinging through a few National Parks. This will be the longest road trip we’ve taken. First stop, Yakima.

It was just a couple weeks ago that we were in the Los Angeles heat for our family reunion. I flew down again to help celebrate my Aunt Aiko's 88th birthday.

My dad’s family has been getting together about every five years for a reunion, the latest being this past weekend. We had a great time, talking with people we hadn’t seen in years. Unlike Melody’s reunion which was a relatively unstructured weekend at an Indiana state park, this one centered around a luncheon with several activities happening around the meal, and a few before and after.