Family Matters

This weekend was a very busy one. My family was here from NC for my grandfather's committal service. It was a lovely service and it was especially nice because my grandparent's pastor and friend from when they lived up here was able to officiate the service. It was very sweet and there were many family members that were able to make it. I like hearing how fond of him people were. I feel like I got to hear some great stories about him the last few weeks that I hadn't ever heard before. It was nice to celebrate his life.

I've actually thought a lot about family in the last few months. (Not that I don't usually think of these things) but since I've seen some of my family for the first time in years, I have been thinking about how important it is to have family involved in your life. We moved a lot when I was growing up and didn't really live near either side of the family. So seeing aunts/uncles/cousins wasn't a regular occurrence for me. After being down in NC a few times this year, I finally realized how much I want to establish relationships with my cousins and aunts/uncles in my adult life. It's important to have people that share that common bond of grandparents and stories that happened before we were born. I know that I live pretty far from most of them but I want to make a better effort to get to know them more. I've always been envious of the really close knit extended families because it's so comforting to share a history with other people. Besides that, I really like my family. I am very lucky that way.

While the fam was here, I got some pictures of them. Because, well, you know how I love to take pictures...

Here is my cousin Hillary and her boyfriend Jeshua. He'd never been to a Friendly's before so this was his first experience.

My Dad and I after the service on Sunday. Wow--it was hot yesterday! Dad, Grandma and Aunt Karen sitting on the porch

Grandma and three of her grandkids (my brother Joe, Hillary and I)
And my favorite shot of the day--my Dad and his Mom looking at each other sweetly. Awww.

I hope you are all having a very happy Monday!