Cousins Galore!

Some of my fondest memories of growing up include cousins. Our family vacations most years were traveling to attend extended family reunions. The Ellison reunions were particularly fun because Samantha and Stefanie Sherwood were one year older and one younger than me. The three of us spent a lot of time together. Although there were cousins close to my age on the Christofferson side I seemed to be the odd man out for a number of years. I resorted to entertaining myself and subjecting anyone who would sit still to a number of silly card games. Fortunately,by my teenage years, I learned what wonderful cousins I have on that side of the family as well. Last year's Christofferson reunion was a delight and it was so fun to catch up with all the cousins and see many of them raising families of thier own.

This picture is all of the 2nd generation cousins from that reuion Summer 2008, minus a few babies. There have been more additions since then.

When I was in high school we started playing Volleyball at C reunions. Our crowd has grown, but we still managed a good game!

This week I had another lovely experience with a cousin. Kimmie was in town and she, mom, Nicole and I met to attend the Los Angeles Temple. I think Grandma Ellison was smiling down on us from heaven. Aunt Marilyn joined us for a light lunch I made and we enjoyed a good chat.

We forgot to take a picture of the gathering! This one is from Kim's visit two years ago when Kevin joined us at the temple. (Seems like so long ago!)
Since I have such good memories of cousins, I am very excited that we live close to some of Zoey's cousins. Grace has taken to her already.

I think Grace, Zoey, and Adam and Marilee's daughter (32 days and counting) will have a blast together. We are extremetly lucky to have been able to work out trips this summer so that by the end of August, Zoey will have met all of her cousins on both the Redford and Christofferson sides.