The Summer of Long Lost Cousins

I grew up surrounded by big family gatherings at every holiday. My Grandma Ginny (my dad's mom) lived in Indianapolis and always had everyone over for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother's Day/Memorial Day and any other holiday you could use as an excuse to get all the grandchildren together. I loved spending time with my Grandma Ginny and cousins. My grandma passed when I was 15. I still miss her... a lot. Since she passed, families have moved away, the grandchildren have grown up and moved away and it's just not easy to get everyone together anymore. This summer I've gotten to see almost all of cousins again-cousins I haven't seen in 10 years. It's been amazing to catch up and see how everyone is doing now.

Last night my cousin Emily (dad's sister Joyce's daughter) passed through Cincy on her way back to Kansas. She had been visiting her grandparents in Ohio and stopped to see Dad, Jake and me for dinner. It was so great to see her and see how well she is doing. I always remember her as a kid, so it was fun to have "adult conversations" with her.

Back in June, Laura, Dad and I traveled to Tennessee to see my other aunts, uncles, and cousins (dad's step family). I got see my cousin Taylor, Madison and Parker. Eric and Evan, and Jessie. There were a few cousins missing...but it was still fun to see all of them all grown up. Here are some pictures from both visits. I'm hoping for a Thanksgiving reunion soon!!

Dad, me, Emily, Jake

Dad and Emily

Madison and me

Taylor, Laura and me