Cousin Bonding

One of the real reasons we get together as a family is to help the cousins to get to know each other better and to build long-term relationships. That has begun during this reunion. The cousins are sleeping in different condos every night with different cousins and during the day they engage in activities as a group. Two of the photos I took yesterday afternoon were of cousins 10 years apart, and yet buddies. That was reinforced today on an outing of most of the girls and some of the mother, sisters, and grandma. Bonnie (4) and Alyssa (14) were having a special moment together. Bonnie is never at a loss for words and Alyssa is a good listener.

Sharing Together

One of the great opportunities for a grandparent is to be able to share experiences with their children and grandchildren. Last weekend was an opportunity for us to share experiences that are important to us as we move through this mortal life and prepare us for the eternities. JoAnn and I have made a commitment to be present for many of these experiences. Only as we have moved west have we had the opportunity to be involved in more of these experiences.

Last week in Aurora: 4 families

Some of the experiences are sacred to us and our family. Others allow us to gain glimpses of what our family might become, and yet others allows us to enjoy the moments we have together. I have come to the realization that each experience is precious in its own way. It may appear that some experiences are similar to other experiences we have had, but in reality, each is unique and special.

Family in December, 2000

Last weekend as I watched our children visit with one another and strengthen their bonds I was encouraged and reminded how JoAnn and I sometimes wondered if our family would still be a family as the children grew and went their own ways. We have come to the realization that our family members are unique and different, and yet, they are of one in heart and spirit. The strength of our family comes from the love each has for the other.

They understand the importance of family and we watch them strengthen those relationships among themselves and among their children, individually and collectively. I've never seen a group of cousins who are so close. I know as they grow they will go their individual ways, but they will always be reminded of the times they had together.

A friend of mind spoke recently of his children being so busy they did not have time for their parents. I was struck by that, because this is a good and loving man. It gave me pause and reminded me of the need for our family to always find time for one another. So far I think they do a pretty good job. I feel blessed as a father and a husband. Thank you JoAnn and thank you kids. And thank you to my parents who taught me to love.

A Day at the Park

We had a busy morning getting Ellen off to school and Dean off to Mexico, then Alexis, Danny, Deano & I were off for donuts and back for a little relaxation. By 11:30 am we'd had enough relaxation and we decided we were hungry. So it was off to the Bradley's to pick up the family, some food, and hit the park. We did just that. A dad, grandpa, and 5 children under 8. More appropriately an 8 year old and 4 under 4. We are brave or stupid and I haen't decided which just yet.

Nothing like lunch in the park.

I just picked out a few of the cuter photos for here and put most of the photos on my flickr account.

Come on, does it get any cuter than this?

The kids had a great time. About 2:30 pm we noted they were moving awfully slowly. At that point Jay and I figured it was time to take them home. Sure enough Deano slept all the way home and Danny is asleep now. These are the experiences memories are built of. I'm sure glad I have this time in Idaho while the daughters converge in Las Vegas.

Bonnie moving from the end of the slide to her next adventure.

Alexis showing off!

Cousins having great fun! Lookout world!