We don't call it Cousin Christmas, although that's actually a pretty good name for it. The seven Wendel/Rioux first cousins (with their families) have been celebrating Christmas together for many, many years... 30 years, to be exact, beginning in 1981. By that time, most of the children of the first cousins had been born. Only Elliott and Thomas were yet to make their entry into the world. We have continued having our get together during the Christmas season every year since then, alternating the place where we meet.
The children of the first cousins are second cousins. (Well, that's not entirely accurate...it's a little more complicated than that...but, this isn't the time to explain, other than to suggest I might have used "generation" in place of "cousin".) Many of them are now married and have children of their own... the third cousins (again, not quite accurate). Currently there are 22 third cousins with more to come, almost certainly. While some of the second cousins have completed their families, others have not even begun their families.
We never have everyone attend our Christmas get together. It's just too much to hope for with that many people. We are just glad to see the ones who can come. We meet, we snack, we have dinner, we visit, we sing, and we laugh a lot. Oh, and we drink a little too! And we really laugh when we're singing... especially when we break into groups and sing the final song "The 12 Days of Christmas", where it's not uncommon to forget what group you belong to and when to sing your part.
But enough of this little prologue. It's time to look at a few photos from yesterday's party. I'm hopeful that there's a video at the bottom of this post, too...with a song for you.
Special thanks to Virgie and Bo for hosting, and also to Carolyn and Brent for providing the child-friendly venue!
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| Christy and Carolyn chatting. Aunt Janie holding Maggie, the youngest 3rd cousin |
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| Tracy and Wendy enjoying the great snacks! |
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| Looks like little boys and their toys. |
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| The big boys chilling outside. |
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| Snacks |
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| Virgie and Maggie |
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| Janet, Virgie and Bo |
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Thomas and Tom Rioux; me and Anne Rioux
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| Dinner! |
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| Time to eat! |
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| The songbooks are out...time for carols. |
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| Carolyn, Andy, Jax...Robin and Janie at the end of the table. |
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| There I am! |
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Hannah and Maggie
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1 comment:
So much fun to have that special time together! Obviously new generations embrace your wonderful family tradition.
Word verification: raticas
Definition: the noise of small rodents scurrying and scuffling when a cat or other predator approaches
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