Fourth of July Family Reunion

Every time I think of my dad's side of the family getting together for our Fourth of July celebration I think of laughter. I remember it as a child and I love the sound to this day. This past Saturday I sat at my cousin's kitchen table and just listened to the voices. Several conversations going at once, everyone catching up with each other, relearning each other's lives, recalling past memories...and then the eruption of laughter. First from one side of the room and then the other.

I love my family and each one of my cousins, aunts and uncles hold a special place in my heart for different reasons...reasons I can't explain...they are just a part of who I am, part of my memories and childhood. Every year I enjoy seeing them, getting to know them again, hearing their lives, thoughts, opinions...finding out a little more about who they are. I love seeing my dad and his brothers come together again as adults and just imagine what they used to be like as boys. (This isn't difficult! Tee hee). I appreciate the traditions we have established...the men's golf outings, the women's shopping spree (even though I don't usually go), the Saturday night party, and children running in every direction.

So, what were the highlights from this year? Well, we established that "NO" Cheryl did not conceive the twins in Susan and Andy's yard at the side of the house. Uncle Bob actually did NOT have too much to drink this year! :-) He didn't grab any butts (as far as I know). Mike does an excellent job emptying the trash...and talking trash! Dad, Kathy and Tabitha have an awesome pool. Aaron and Tristan are excellent dancers. Twin babies eat, sleep and poop alot...but we already knew this. Nathan and Noah are adorable. According to Andy and Jim, I look like I have been spending time in South Africa...not funny!!!! Judy and Marilyn love their wine...glasses. Morgan should not jump on the trampoline with little children (just joking, Morgan)...but this did indirectly cause a trip to the hospital for Sophia. Jeff and Ellen still cannot get the word "sucker" off their foreheads...but they are the proud owners of a condo in Las Vegas! Jon and Gloria are proud grandparents for the third time! (We missed you Jason, Liz, Stephanie, Bobby and your little ones!!!) Andy can make coffee...oh...and don't ever wake him up! But by doing so, we found out that Sandy's boobs feel real! (Don't ask) Ed can debate healthcare reform like nobody can...except maybe Sandy. Aunt Judy is one of the most thoughtful people I know...thanks for the gifts! The man-cave is a meat locker. One should never pull Jim's finger. Bob made that mistake! Drew, Mitch and Greg taught Ryan a new word...Suckish! Celine has followed in her mother's footsteps and reads all the time...finished Harry Potter #5. John has freakishly soft hair. Alexis scared Caitlin with her stories about her childhood. Susan can still feed 55 people, throw a party, manage five kids, maintain a beautiful home, drink and relax all at the same time. She's amazing! And drunk people might cuss alot but they don't kill people (Ryan's worry!) Oh, and Grace did not get hurt once! Did I mention that I am a rock star? I'm totally addicted to Guitar Hero...thanks, Drew!

That about sums it up. I posted a few pictures...I didn't get to take that many. I'm still waiting for my sis to send me the ones on her camera and then I'll post more.