Reunion

Hey there.

First of all, I have enjoyed writing my last two letters so much that I'm planning a mini series of sorts for the rest of the month.  (If all goes as planned anyway.)  

Now, I told you that I would fill you in on my last minute road trip, so that's just what I plan on doing today.

My mom had told me that my cousins were planning on visiting over Veteran's Day weekend.  However, I didn't think I would be able to make it because with hunting seasons and Thanksgiving, I already had three planned weekends to Canton.  

But then, at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, Mom sent me a text, saying that the visit had turned into a full blown family reunion and that she would help me with gas if I could make it.  I started doing the math in my sleep-filled head and figured out that I could make it to our house in time for lunch if I got up and ready right then.

And so, I got my rear in gear and packed the lightest overnight bag ever, managed to pull together some dirty laundry to do at home (because I'm never too busy to grab some of that), filled the car up with gas and took off.

Mom didn't tell anyone I was coming, so I was blessed with wonderful, surprised greetings when I walked in.  I felt like I couldn't get the hugs in fast enough.  I just wanted to see everyone at once.  It's been way, way, way too long since I've seen some of my cousins.  Big changes have happened since then.  Unfortunately, I didn't think to get my camera out til halfway through the day, so I didn't get pictures of everyone.

Ethan and Alicia have welcomed a precious baby girl, named Carmen to their family since I last saw them.  She is so itty-bitty, and I especially loved watching E kissing his baby girl. 

Here are Tristan and Khloe testing out the piano.

Kaylee now has a little man that I got to meet for the first time, named Corbin, who is already squirming around and locating his feet.  He has lots of spiky hair and is quiet, but smiley.

I haven't seen Jessica since our wedding.  Since then, she has gotten married and has a little one on the way.  Her kiddos are remarkably older than I thought they would be.  I think I forget that time passes while we're away or something.  Here's Andrew playing some tunes.

 

And Jennifer's kids, well, I thought, aged way too much, until we realized that it's been three and a half years since we've seen each other!  I guess the two feet that Logan grew make more sense now.

The house was crazy.  We counted 36 people there at one point.  It was kind of hectic and hard to fit in lots of catching up, but the time we did have was wonderful.  I did not realize how much I missed everyone.  I enjoyed every moment of laughing over stories of our younger selves, oo-ing and awe-ing over the babies, telling the older kids they shouldn't be as old as they are, and just enjoying spending time with family.

Not too mention the good food.

And then, because all good things must come to an end, goodbyes filled the room and everyone returned to their homes until the next big get together.

However, I did get to spend the rest of the weekend with my family.

Well, dear family, all of you, I love you.

Aim