Where to Wednesday: A Family Reunion

We just got back from a week long family reunion on Holden Beach. It was a week jam-packed with fun & tons of family. This summer, my father-in-law celebrated his 65th birthday. My mother-in-law planned a party & was able to get almost every member of the family to Holden Beach for the celebration. My father-in-law is one of 10 kids--who have many kids, whose kids have kids, etc. It was a big group! 

 I headed out on the road trip excited for a vacation at the beach & left with a renewed understanding of just how important family is. With a large group all together all week there was a lot of noise, laughing, dancing, parties & hugs. There were also a lot of memories shared. One of Tom's aunts brought down a giant bin from his grandmother's house -- full of pictures, letter, diplomas, cards, etc. One night I was on the porch & could see everyone inside passing around pictures & other things from inside the box. There were smiles and tears, but all around also, a family that still gathers, which in today's times is not always that common. I feel truly blessed to have been welcomed into this family & that my girls are being raised amongst a group of people that cherish what family is all about. I bet Tom's Grammy, the mother of 10, was smiling down on everyone -- so happy to see her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren still getting together to share all of these memories. 

It was also the first time, since Alex & my niece were born that we had all the cousins together. Maggie & Alex already have 10 first cousins & had a blast with them all week. We ended the week with an early 1st birthday gift for Alex & Elizabeth (born 1 day apart): doll cradles handmade by their Mimi & Pop Pop. Family is the best.