Growing up I always felt really sad for those kids who weren't close to their cousins. Throughout my childhood and now in my adult life, my extended family is very important. I think I am closer to some of my cousins than many of my friends are to their siblings!
It's funny because my cousins my sisters and I have this connection and it is our common history that binds us so closely. Our grandmother's laugh and loud voice is something many of us share. The height and gate of our grandfather is evident too. My grandmother's "picket legs" have been passed down to some and we comment and admire and tease each other about these traits that we share with a pride of belonging in our strong family tribe.
It started in the days of black and white photos and Kodak Instamatics.
They were there through the awkward preteen years.
And we were together even when new ones came along
(believe it or not, that baby is now a dad himself!)
This past week two of my cousins, my younger sister and myself got together for an evening out and then a few days later, with the larger family for my cousin's (the little girl in the pic above) baby shower. It was just like old times...sort of.
Here we are, all growed up!
But here is what I see. It is all very familiar. Kids playing in the pool, moms and dads and grandmas swimming. And others chatting and laughing and catching up poolside. The only difference? WE are now the mommies, or soon to be, and it is our kids swimming and playing together. We are finding connections between them and their great-grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins.
The torch has been passed. A whole new generation of family fun.
I am so fortunate to have such a close family bond and to pass that legacy on to my children. Are you close with your family? Are your kids?
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It's so awesome that you have that Jen! We were really close to our cousins when we were little. Now we see each other every now and then. Will doesn't have that many cousins!!
That's so great, Jen... I always wished our cousins lived closer, but we were spread out all over the world. My sister and I only have FIVE cousins. And now? My kids have no first cousins... there are two second-cousins (babies) living in different countries. Le sigh.
The good news is, no matter how seldom I see my cousins, we always have a blast together... I guess blood really is thicker than water in that way - we love each other and relish any chance we get to share some time - even when YEARS between dates.
love this post- yes it is a great thing to be close to your family. It seems so critical to our well being that when I meet someone without this I cannot believe it and wonder how they manage. Good for you, Jen xx
LOVE this post!
2 of my cousins are more like sisters. We did everything together growing up even though they lived 2 hours away. We had trailers (I know, eh?) in the same park that we went to every weekend in the summer & even braved on snowmobile in the winter once or twice.
My daughter is EXTREMELY close to her cousin (my nephew) and calls him her brother. His stepbrother has now also become a permanent fixture in her life & she looks forward to seeing them. We go away to a resort in the summer (the whole family) so they have a full week together & it is WONDERFUL!
I feel the same way. It was so great hanging out with everyone and I love it for out kids. Just feels so easy and fun. Love all the cousins!xo