Cousins Are The Best!

There are 19 of us, cousins that is, on my mom's side - setting up camp in over 3 countries and 8 states. That kind of geographic spread doesn't lend itself to frequent visits. Moving to Mississippi, most of our friends had grown up in Jackson their entire lives - as had their parents - as had their grandparents. They went to school with their cousins. They lived in the same neighborhood as their aunts and uncles. My brothers and I never lived near family. In fact, quite the opposite...we lived in the deep South, far, far away from anyone else! 

Growing up we had family reunions every summer...but as the years went by, and the 19 of us grew up, the family get-to-gethers have been less and less often. When you go awhile without seeing your extended family, you wonder if things will have "changed" by the time you see them again. But then they come to visit you, you have the best time, and you realize just how strong the family bond can be!

My cousin Matt came in town for a long weekend to hang out - and we had SUCH a great time. It is so much fun to spend time with my cousins as adults and realize that we definitely all come from the same grandparents! 

With my Matt out of town - Joe took over duties of cooking the pizza! Three S cousins in one place...impressive!

It feels like all we did was eat! Luckily I did fit into my pants Monday!

Seriously, how delicious does this look. We did pancakes for breakfast Saturday in between doughnuts Friday and Sunday.

Lucky LOVED Matt. For some reason my iphone camera stinks - but it is still a sweet picture! This was taken during one of probably 6 movies we watched!

Lucky being difficult because Matt is leaving.

You can't come to Dallas without stopping by the JFK site. And yes, those are doughnuts in that paper bag!

Even better than having your cousins visit - is having them come live in your same city! It has been so fun to "continue" to grow up with Kelly and Joe!