At this point in my extended family – we have the following combinations of people:
Grandma’s, mom’s, dads, uncles, aunties, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, sisters, brothers, 1st cousins, 2nd cousins, 1st cousins once removed, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, fiancee’s, boyfriend, girlfriend.
We range in age from 5 years 70+ years.
We can all be under the same roof for 12 hours without losing minds!
The most remarkable family “community” among us is the community of “cousin offspring” and their “significant others”. The offspring of 6 cousins, ranging in age from 5-24 years have formed their own little family community.
These 2nd cousins have special bonds. They also have their own traditions
which include rowdy card games of Nertz and a night game of “Jail Break” (known to folk my age as “Night Raiders”) on Thanksgiving.
This year they added a new game — but we don’t know what it’s called yet!
Left alone in the family room, us “others” heard loud “Huu-ahh” yells coming from another room. When curiosity got the best of us older folk — we went to investigate this new game . . .
which included a chopping like movement and yells of “Huu-ah” (sounds like Who-Ah)
Like I said — their own tight community!
Year after year the older kids help with the younger ones
including them, loving on them, and modeling
how to be caring people.
When the two youngest were partied out — big sis, cousin Nate, Uncle Kirk, and mom worked together to get them in the car and home.
You know that all us “older cousins” cherish every minute watching our kids spend time with — and enjoy each other’s friendship and kinship.
You also know. . .
that there is NEVER a dull moment!