Family Reunion 2012

This past weekend was our annual family reunion with my mom's side of the family.  I wish I had a picture of everyone there because there were about 80 people all together.  I have 22 cousins on that side and the youngest is going to be a junior in high school.  13 of the 22 have two or more kids so you can imagine the demographics.  I loved catching up with my cousins.  I love how we're still buddies even though our lives have dramatically changed over the years.  I remember when we were all tiny and would play "Annie."  We would pretend we were in an orphanage and run away from Misses Hannigan.  Ahh...the memories.  Now we talk about less fun grown up things  

Obviously, not everyone could go but it was still a packed house. We missed Garrett's family...especially Lily and Boston but were glad that Isaac and Grant could make it. The boys had a fun time together. On Sunday morning, they were all walking around hugging each other and Tyler said, "We're going to stick together!" I love that they are little buddies. 

Most of us went to the local congregation on Sunday.  They introduce visitors in Sunday School.  Because there were so many of us, they just had Grandma introduce the family.  She asked everyone who was with her to stand up and it was over half the people in the room.  It was great being in church all together.  

In case you were wondering, I also love my parents.  I love the way they love their grand kids.  It's so cute to see that side of them and it's wonderful to know that there is a team of people to help love on and take care of my kids and my nieces and nephews.  One morning we were in our room and Tyler said, "Moooom I want to go see Grandma!" I said, "Okay, go find her."  He left for two seconds and came back saying he couldn't find her so he wanted me to help.  I said, "Tyler there are tons of Grandma's here, you can go play with any of them."  He said, "I don't prefer the other grandmas.  I want Grandma."  Doesn't that melt your heart?  My dad was so fun too.  He did an awesome job playing with and taking care of the boys.  He also put on a spectacular magic show for all the kids. 

By far, the coolest, most wonderful person at the family reunion was my grandma...known as Great Grandma to my kids.  Both my kids love her to pieces.  It's baffling to me that there are all those people together just because of her and my Grandfather.  She knows everyone and makes everyone feel loved and important.  Can you even imagine?  What a blessing to have such a wonderful leader in our family.  I think she is an example of true success.