For some reason, we are not a very close family (compared to some of my Italian friends). When my Mom and her siblings were around, we'd get together about once a year for a potluck pre-Christmas gathering. The Whipple sisters were a fun loving, creative group who loved to have a good time. I remember those get togethers lasting from noon til night. Lots of girl cousins so we could talk music and boys and whatever.
None of the siblings went for having 13 children but we have families with 7 children, 6 children, 4 children and so on. So I do have a few cousins. Sadly, I am only in touch with three and that is mostly Facebook, online Words with Friends and the occasional email. I yearn for more. Sitting here for 62 years hasn't made me any closer so I'm making an effort to at least get some of us together.
Casual picnic potluck, I think. In Columbus, Ohio since most of them are near there. Thankfully two of my Columbus area cousins are willing to help me pull this off. Can't wait to see how it goes!
Now I need to learn ... second cousins, cousins once removed, grand nieces and nephews, ....
It is sad that family reunions have fallen out of fashion. The last one I went to better than half the young people there were on their stupid cell phones off and on all night.
ReplyDeleteThe last one I went to was for my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary ... 1998?
DeleteI'll be happy if we can even get some young people to come! Maybe put them in charge of photos ....
I actually looked up that second cousins and cousins once removed thing one time, but heck if I can remember what the difference was or if there was a difference. I think this is a great idea. Family reunions are so much fun. As for your Italian friends, that's my experience, too. I know it's a stereotype, but they seem to really enjoy family and friends... and I love Italian food. Oh, my.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin had a family reunion for my mother's side of the family a few years ago. It was very casual, outside, and everyone brought a dish. Fun. Except I got a speeding ticket on the way there. Not fun.