I have four first cousins total, both sides of my family put together and I never lived anywhere near any of my extended family, therefore, was never really close with any of them. When I was growing up, I was always a little envious of my friends who were related to everyone and had cousins for best friends.
One of the things I LOVE about living where we do is that my kids are surrounded by family. There are a total of 11 second cousins at their school and 18 of the 19 (soon to be 20) first cousins on Tim's side of the family live close by. Even, three of the cousins on my side live here, too. Needless to say my kids have "roots" and they love it (and so do I).
We had our annual cousins Valentine's Day party a few days before Valentine's Day. I started hosting this party for all the cousins on Tim's side of the family several years ago. The party doesn't change much from year to year. I bake 5 or 6 dozen heart shaped sugar cookies, the kids frost and decorate them with a smorgasbord of candy and sprinkles, we decorate bags and exchange Valentine's. Every year I think I might change it up a bit and every year I ultimately decide it's great just how it is.
We had a great time being together. I especially loved hanging out with my sister-in-laws and catching up. It's rare that we are all together at the same time. I am so blessed to have them in my life. (We missed you, Mom!) It was a great party with perfect weather and even a little tether bowl thrown in. (One of the aunts really got into this sport!)
An hour after the cousins party ended, we did it again with all the kids from our babysitting co-op. Between school parties and both of these parties, we celebrated Valentine's Day big around here. Can't wait for next year.
One of the things I LOVE about living where we do is that my kids are surrounded by family. There are a total of 11 second cousins at their school and 18 of the 19 (soon to be 20) first cousins on Tim's side of the family live close by. Even, three of the cousins on my side live here, too. Needless to say my kids have "roots" and they love it (and so do I).
We had our annual cousins Valentine's Day party a few days before Valentine's Day. I started hosting this party for all the cousins on Tim's side of the family several years ago. The party doesn't change much from year to year. I bake 5 or 6 dozen heart shaped sugar cookies, the kids frost and decorate them with a smorgasbord of candy and sprinkles, we decorate bags and exchange Valentine's. Every year I think I might change it up a bit and every year I ultimately decide it's great just how it is.
We had a great time being together. I especially loved hanging out with my sister-in-laws and catching up. It's rare that we are all together at the same time. I am so blessed to have them in my life. (We missed you, Mom!) It was a great party with perfect weather and even a little tether bowl thrown in. (One of the aunts really got into this sport!)
An hour after the cousins party ended, we did it again with all the kids from our babysitting co-op. Between school parties and both of these parties, we celebrated Valentine's Day big around here. Can't wait for next year.
