The Tie That Binds

Our Dad's side of the family got together last weekend for our annual reunion.

 

My Dad (right) with his brother and two sisters.

 My cousin, John, and his wife Debbie are so gracious to host each year at their beautiful home out in the country.   Our cousins, Susie and Joanna added some Pinterest flair to the event with Christmas ornaments adorned with the family photo from last year's reunion.  The ornaments were hanging on a Christmas tree they had set up just for that purpose. 

 

Susie also put together a great display of old family photos from previous reunions and we got a big kick out of the girls' pictures from the "big hair" years.
 

 

Debbie always amazes us with the delicious food she effortlessly puts together and before digging in, John read a summary of all the family events from this year.  Some were sad and brought us grief; others were happy and brought us joy.  Three of us had retired from the teaching profession and my Dad's sister, Ruth, had celebrated her 90th birthday. (Let me just say that she is the most energetic, spry, beautiful ninety year old you can imagine!)

 

After lunch we sat around visiting about everything under the sun.  We discussed children, grandchildren, jobs, weddings, and more.  PBS was a big topic as we all shared the programs we love. Our Lake Charles people regaled us with stories about dogs and neighbors.  

 

Then it was time for family pictures, but this year someone else got their picture taken....

 

 

Tina, the lama.

 

 Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life! ~Albert Einstein

 

You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family. ~Thomas Jefferson

Love ya'll, Shelli