Dillon Reunion - 4th of July weekend

What a hectic weekend! My cousins had a family reunion in Bellevue, Washington, to celebrate Marie's 50th opportunity to have a birthday party.  Fred and I made the pilgrimage to Bellevue, but took the opportunity to visit with Kathryn, Tim and Summer first. 

Summer insisted on taking me to see the Snoqualmie falls, which I learned was the most visited tourist location in Washington.



Summer, bunnie and me overlooking the waterfall.

 Later in the afternoon we met up with the Dillons at Rita's house.  In case I hadn't mentioned, the Dillons love to cook and one is never disappointed by the quality or volume of food they can turn out.  Here Rita and Marie are having a chopping duel to see who can chop up more parsley for the tabouleah salad.

 On Sunday, Fred and I took ourselves into downtown Seattle to enjoy the sights.  A trip to Pikes Market is probably the second most visited tourist destination in Washington.  Walking down through the foodstalls makes you forget about the dull weather and rain and want to move to Seattle right away.

 Fresh King Salmon - only a few hours old.

The birthday BBQ was in the afternoon and we got to enjoy time with a large contingent of the Dillon cland and extended family.
Uncle Noel was in good form and enjoying a warm day in Washington.....although I think secretly he was wishing that he could be at home in his garden on this beautiful sunny day. 

Fred hung out with the men - which was unusual as there was a BBQ in action.  Could he be losing his touch as the BBQ bullie?

Truth be told, Fred knows when to stay away from the BBQ - when Jerry is in charge.  Jerry did a fabulous job tending to the food.  How come he doesn't have a beer????

 In true Dillon style, the food was superb. 

 Katie and Jack (Rita's kids) were on their best behavior. 

 Birthday girl and her sisters.  From left to right - Susan, Rita, Birthday Girl Marie and Kathleen. 

 Kendra and friends

 The official Dillon portriat.  From the back:  Pat, Jerry, Chuck, Uncle Noel, Susan, Rita, Marie and Kathleen

Not to be out-done by the older crowd, the kids chose a more challenging portriat photo.

From bottom to top and left to right:  Kendra (Chuck's daughter), Johnny (Marie's son), Michael (Pat's son), Sean (Jerry's son), Katie (Rita's daughter), Alyssa (Marie's daughter) and king of the hill Jack (Rita's son)

 
 Finally we get to the birthday cake.  Chocolate and raspberry from the German baker
 With so many candles on the cake Marie had to enlist a bit of help blowing them all out. 

We had a wonderful time in Bellevue with the Dillons.  It is great to see so much of the family and to enjoy good memories together.  I only wish I could have stayed for Chuck's famous clam bake on the 4th of July!