Cousin Fest

Guess who's in town?? Every one of my wacky family members. Yep, it's pretty hilarious to see all those people we used to hang with as kids all grown up with kids of their own--it's kinda like Cousin Fest.

I don't think our full family has been together in years as we are all spread out around the country. And even if they do live nearby, we just don't see each other because, well, life is busy. It's nice that a wedding brings us together because we have 3 days of parties to catch up after all those years.

We were introducing the kids to everyone last night and after the 50th cousin introduction, Em said "So, pretty much everyone here is a cousin, right?" Yep. There are cousins, second cousins, cousins by marriage, cousins once removed, and third cousins.  When in doubt, call them cousin and give 'em a hug. That was sort of my theory.

I laugh that while Joe's family is beige, mine is very colorful.  Each of us is a character in their own right, vying for the limelight and the center stage at every opportunity. From kid to adult, there are some strong personalities--none of which are boring.  It's hilarious to just sit back and watch the madness when we get together.  And while most of it is fun, there has been the rare occasion of  eff-bomb dropping at Thanksgiving dinner and some ruffled feathers. But what family doesn't, right?

That said, this is a group that knows how to laugh and have fun--they also know how to party.  I've survived the rehearsal dinner last night, but there is a full day ahead today.  Cousin Jill and I both joined the kids on riding the plastic tricycle down the hill last night--white pants and pink dress unscathed--while not one relative blinked an eye.  I guess they are just used to that sort of stuff with this group.

The wedding is today and I'm sure there is gonna be blog fodder galore.  And yes, I'm bringing the camera.