Xmas in July

My Mother's family (parents, her brother, his wife and their children and us) have always gathered for the big holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas). Even as we "kids" grew up and married, whoever was in the area gathered to celebrate these occasions. When my own family lived 2 1/2 hours away and could not make Christmas Day, we began gathering several days after Christmas to celebrate the season. My grandparents are both gone now and my Dad, but we still continue to gather. After my Mother and brother and his family moved to central Illinois, my cousin suggested that instead of December, we gather for "Christmas in July."

We have just returned from our 2nd annual "Christmas in July" at my brother's farm in Lovington, Illinois. All were present except my sister's oldest daughter, Carrie and her husband, Chris. Seems they have to be out of their apartment by the end of August (turning the apartments into condos) and they are still house-hunting.

We had lovely weather, a great place to be, and the opportunity to catch up with each other's activities over the past year. William was introduced to the family this year. Last year, Chris and Heather just found out (in fact, a phone call confirmation from the doc was received on the trip down) that they were going to have a baby. So their announcement was the big news last year. This year, the "big news" was there in person and was held and loved by many. (There were more, but you get the picture!!)

I remember as a child how very special it was when at family gatherings, "older" cousins paid attention to you. Well, Riley and Shelby had a great time with my nephew, Erich. Erich spent lots of time with them, shooting squirt guns, throwing them in the pool and oh, those marshmallow shooter fights. Shelby and I slept together Saturday night. She whispered in my ear that Erich was her "boyfriend" forever. They also had a great time with my cousin's son, Jacob. The three spent lots of time in the little swimming pool tossing each other around and have a good ol' time. Jacob also did something that none of the rest of us have been able to do. Riley and Shelby do not like dogs. This year, my brother's dogs are at the farm. Jacob actually got the girls to pet the dogs and feed them treats. Pretty amazing for a 10 year old boy. Thanks, Jake!!

I enjoyed watching the "generations" interact, having the opportunity to get to know each other now that we come from several different areas and are not involved in each others lives very often. I think my favorite photo (so far) is of Riley, age 6, and Uncle Freddie (my sister's husband, age ??) having a conversation over lunch. I was told it was over mathematics. Note Riley's hands.

Precious memories......looking forward to 2007.....