Day 27 -30 days of thanks

I am thankful for extended family. My dad's parents had 10 kids (8 boys and 2 girls...see why boys run in the family)! Most of those kids have at least 1 kid, but some have 2-4 kids. So I have a lot of cousins. And they aren't even Mormon;)! We all grew up together. My grandparents had a big house in Somis, CA and we would always meet there for parties, whether that was a birthday party, anniversary, graduation, wedding, baptism, first communion, or to celebrate the holidays. With all of those people we were getting together very often. It was all I knew. I had a huge loud family and everyone got along and cousins were like your best friends. Everyone could watch out for each other and it was almost impossible to drive anywhere in town without passing someone in the family, on the road. In the summer time we would get a 3 story cabin at a lake and all stay there. I have the best memories of getting together with my extended family over the years. My favorite memories are of Christmas Eve, Easter egg hunts, and the lake. It was ideal! I love my family and love the memories I have with them. It makes me sad that my kids no longer live near any of their grandparents (minus my dad), aunts, uncles, or cousins. I had so many cousins and knew them all! I feel blessed that I got to grow up the way I did with all that family around! They are a lively bunch and love everyone. These memories will always be special to me! I am also so grateful that I now have more extended family through marriage and that I love them all so much too!Me, Cousin Danielle, My Sister Lorisa, and Cousin Lanea.
We were the 4 oldest girl cousins and we grew up spending a lot of time together. This was taken on my grandparent's deck which I have countless memories playing on, especially hitting a pinata. Oh, the memories!