Since my family is spread out across the US, when we get together it's usually a pretty big deal. The past week has been a crazy whirlwind of activity and I loved every minute of it. Only I wish it would have lasted longer. Last Thursday my beautiful San Diego sister flew in with her four and one year-old boys. (I make the cutest nephews!). Meanwhile my mom flew from LAX to Jersey to stay with the Jersey girl (San Diego and Jersey are gorgeous identical twins--brats!) and her six year old son. (Have I mentioned how adorable my nephews are?) On Friday, mom, Jersey twin and nephew made the road trip to Maine and were greeted with a beautiful rainbow in our front yard.
Do the math...my five plus three nephews plus two sisters plus one mom makes...eleven! It was adorable watching the six kids--aged one to fourteen--interact. We get together once a year and 365 days makes for some major changes in the little guys. From magic tricks, to silly hide-and-seek games, to four-wheeling, to swimming in the pool, the cousins giggled non-stop.
We ventured to the blueberry field and picked twenty+ pounds of sweetness and then had a Maine meal with hubby's brother, sister-in-law and their two kids as well. Fifteen lobsters, grilled steak, corn, potatoes...all topped off with a few fresh blueberry pies. And if our bellies weren't full enough, we made a fire, cooked some s'mores and set off some amazing fireworks in the backyard. This has been a tradition when the cousins come up to visit and is expected every year.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. We said good-bye to Jersey girl and nephew a few days later after going to the trampoline park with the kids and feasting on our traditional Hibachi farewell dinner. It was so sad to say good-bye. With my mother here, we had a built in babysitter so San Diego sister and I took full advantage by taking off for a day to do some damage at the outlet stores. And then we had to say teary goodbyes to them.
My mom stuck around another few days so hubby and I could have a much-needed day together. We hiked Mt. Washington yesterday and today I can barely walk (my kids tell me I look like an old lady trying to get out of my chair and walking down the stairs). Holy workout! Before putting my mom on the plane this afternoon we walked around Portland Head Light and the kids played in the water. And then another teary goodbye.
I love making memories and starting new traditions with my siblings and their families. Hopefully my brother and his wife and daughter will make it out next year. We've never had all the siblings and cousins together at the same time.
What are the memories you most cherish from childhood and what traditions do you like to keep with your growing families?
Do the math...my five plus three nephews plus two sisters plus one mom makes...eleven! It was adorable watching the six kids--aged one to fourteen--interact. We get together once a year and 365 days makes for some major changes in the little guys. From magic tricks, to silly hide-and-seek games, to four-wheeling, to swimming in the pool, the cousins giggled non-stop.
We ventured to the blueberry field and picked twenty+ pounds of sweetness and then had a Maine meal with hubby's brother, sister-in-law and their two kids as well. Fifteen lobsters, grilled steak, corn, potatoes...all topped off with a few fresh blueberry pies. And if our bellies weren't full enough, we made a fire, cooked some s'mores and set off some amazing fireworks in the backyard. This has been a tradition when the cousins come up to visit and is expected every year.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. We said good-bye to Jersey girl and nephew a few days later after going to the trampoline park with the kids and feasting on our traditional Hibachi farewell dinner. It was so sad to say good-bye. With my mother here, we had a built in babysitter so San Diego sister and I took full advantage by taking off for a day to do some damage at the outlet stores. And then we had to say teary goodbyes to them.
My mom stuck around another few days so hubby and I could have a much-needed day together. We hiked Mt. Washington yesterday and today I can barely walk (my kids tell me I look like an old lady trying to get out of my chair and walking down the stairs). Holy workout! Before putting my mom on the plane this afternoon we walked around Portland Head Light and the kids played in the water. And then another teary goodbye.
I love making memories and starting new traditions with my siblings and their families. Hopefully my brother and his wife and daughter will make it out next year. We've never had all the siblings and cousins together at the same time.
What are the memories you most cherish from childhood and what traditions do you like to keep with your growing families?
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