Saturday, September 21, 2013

Aunts and uncles

Happiness instigators Aunt Katie, right corner, and Aunt Sarah, left corner

My parents’ siblings, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law were an important aspect of my childhood. It wasn’t until I was a young adult that I realized that not all children grew up with the outflow of love that those aunts and uncles lavished upon me and my cousins.

I am thankful that our grandchildren have the kind of aunts and uncles I had, from both their dad’s and moms’ families. And any time the families of our two sons get together, daughters-in-law Sarah and Katie make it a celebration for our grandchildren.

For our July gathering in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Katie came equipped with art supplies that kept little ones’ excited and engaging each other and the adults about their creative endeavors.

Sarah brought a variety of card games that drew kids and adults together in mutual hilarity.

Charlie, ready to play cards

Note one dad (our youngest son Jeremy, hamming it up in the top photo. The dads brought their unique contribution to the fun. Uncles make an impact on young lives, too.

Family blessings!


  1. i was totally shocked when I married bob and he did not know a single one of his parents brothers and sisters. his dad was one of 6 sets of twins, so 12 there and his mother only had 2 siblings. he never knew any of them and doesn't know a single name of any of them or his first cousins. i was raised with 2 uncles and 2 aunts that were like parents to me and my mothers only sister was like a sister to me, since we were only 9 years apart in age. i know every 1st cousin there spouses and all their children, on both sides. your family sounds like mine. but sadly my two boys and bob 2 girls do not know any of their aunts, uncles and cousins.

  2. I had missed Jeremy! I had to go back and look! I think he must keep everyone happy! And of course my favorite, little Molly Kate! I need to go now and look up this card game, it looks like a lot of fun!!!!

  3. You are blessed with two fantastic daughter-in-laws.

  4. Extended family are a blessing, especially if they live near by.

  5. Keeping up with family is not to everyone's idea of importance. While I cared I made it a value that my kids now share and with social media we can stay in touch.
    You are blessed that you care and pass this along.

  6. Family photos are gold, but hard to look at after they are gone.

  7. What a wonderful magic family you have. Bravo. In my family, there was just me.

  8. I have 4 siblings and each has one or 2 children, now adults. I also have many aunts, uncles, and cousins -- most of them here on the island of Oahu. I just love family get togethers. The holidays are coming up and I look forward to being with my extended family.

  9. Seeing these photos reminds me of the times we used to go camping with my brother and his family. At different times, we also camped with both sets of our parents, as well. Such fun memories. Thanks for reminding me of them :)