Growing up, I had the very good fortune of having excellent neighbors…
My Aunt and Uncle along with their eight kids lived about 500 yards away.
The oldest four were my babysitters… I idolized them.
The youngest three were my playmates… They were my constant companions.
These were the kids you could fight with one day, and then quickly make up when the next Saturday rolled around.
They were the extended family that everyone longs for.
And there were eight of them…
RickJimJohnLauraPaulPeteSueKate
In the last thirty years, life has intervened and my cousins have moved all around the country. Seattle, Dallas, Alabama, Georgia…. kids and jobs and responsibilities have made it hard to get together.
But this past weekend there was a reason to celebrate…
A wonderful, beautiful, much anticipated wedding.
And as I looked around the room, seeing the faces of those people I love and admire, those who helped define my childhood…
I was reminded once again how very precious my family is to me.
And I realized that my babysitters aren’t nearly as tall as I remember them!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
How lovely!! These pictures make me want to get married again, changing all my colors, flowers and even my dress. {sigh}
Sounds like you had some pretty great neighbors growing up!
What a beautiful occasion and way to cherish some beautiful memories! Thanks for giving us a peek!
Fun post! I used to think that all grownups were tall, too…but then I never made it past 5’2” so that notion was blown out of the water! Have a good week!
While we didn’t live THAT close I remember vacations with cousins and extended family. For about 15 years a certain teacher in grade school had someone with our last name in the classroom.
Doubt we could all get together for anything any more. That is so sad.
(I am not getting married to test the theory.)
What a great thing! Love the picture from the wedding. How beautiful with all the fall colors. And what a blessing to have grown up with so much family around you. Truly a Joy!
How wonderful that you had the chance to see special people from your past!
Beautiful! I love the colors – oh it reminds me so much of my wedding (we celebrate 6 years tomorrow!!!). Every year I say I wish I could relive my wedding day, just the day, not the preparation. Maybe when we hit a ‘big’ number we can do that by renewing our vows!! LOVE weddings!! Enjoy your vacation – I’ll miss you!
Great pictures! And what special memories!
Looks like a beautiful wedding…love the colors. Love the last picture and caption!