Cousin Love

Happy belated 4th of July.  I hope you and you families had long, wonderful weekends. Tom, the kids and I loaded up the big tan van and headed to Maine with plans to see a wide range of family.

*I did not bring my camera to Maine. I could say that I wanted to really be in the moments and take them all it but the truth is I just forgot it. 

We set up home base at my parents house and had a great dinner Thursday night in and old mill in my hometown that was renovated into a restaurant. It was great to start the trip out with a quiet family dinner, just the 4 of us, for an easy transition into the busy weekend. We, like most of New England, had a rainy 4th but were still able to visit with almost all of Tom's extended family.  It's great to catch up with cousins that we don't see enough of.  Even trapped inside from the rain the kids enjoyed each other's company and the cousins got a chance to laugh together and tell some old stories. The following morning we celebrated the baptism of two of the cousins children (2nd cousins I think, I get so confused with the correct terminology) It was windy from the storm passing out but lovely and was nice to celebrate with the two beautiful little girls. 

The following day, Sunday, we headed out to visit some of my cousins that were vacationing in Maine. Another cousin (and her family) my Aunt, and my sister got the opportunity to all catch up, spend time with one another and see all of our children together. It had been too long since we had seen each other, I hadn't even met one cousin's husband (who was super nice & sweet).  Colby & Lincoln hit it off immediately with their 2nd cousins (or whatever relation they are) and ran around and acted as if parents did not exist. It was wonderful.

2nd Cousins enjoying birthday cupcakes
Photo from my phone (only one I took)
 

I was grateful to get such a great visit in with everyone.  We left and headed for home from there.  The entire car ride home I reminisced about all the great memories I have had with my cousins; 4th of July's in DC, skiing at Sunday River, hot summers on Sebago lake, holding my first baby, Sarah, in my arms, weddings and all the times in the middle.  It was great to make more memories with all of our cousins with promises made to not go as long the next time.