Kara’s Pictures

About a week ago, my cousin, Kara, sent me some pictures from our childhood. The picture I love the most is my brother holding her little sister in his shoulders. Seeing the smile on his face warms my heart. I don’t remember him being this happy very often. 

Another one that I love is my mom and dad during a family Christmas celebration. I remember my mom wearing that shirt a lot, and I think my dad still had the flannel many years later. Once again, it is the smile that gets me. My mom had one of those smiles that would just make everyone happier. 

Then, there is a family picture of my dad, his siblings, and their parents. I’m not sure when the picture was taken, but I’m guessing my dad was in his 20s. 

The final picture I want to share is of my grandparents and my great grandmother (Grandpa’s mom) opening Christmas presents. My best guess is that it was from the same year as the one of my parents. I love and miss all three of them. 

I love that my dad’s family shares pictures like these with everyone! It helps me feel a greater connection to my family. 

Grandparents Wedding

A few days ago, my cousin from my dad’s side posted the above picture with one simple question. “What happened August 1, 1947?” I knew right away what these two were excited about. That was the day they were married. I answered and posted the picture of their wedding invitation. 

I love look at the pictures she has developed from our grandpa’s negatives. There is so much history in them. I also love seeing my grandparents young and in love.

Kids Leaving

Every year since the divorce, my kids have gone camping with their grandparents. The first year, I went for the first night and left them when I had to go back to work. Since then, I think their dad went one year, but they usually go without their parents. 

I love that they get to spend time with their dad’s family in this way. It is like a family reunion of sorts and has been their main vacation every year. They always come back with new stories, and they have seen places I hope to go some day. 

Tomorrow morning, Eric will be coming to pick up his brother and sister to embark on this year’s adventure. They aren’t going too far this year, but they will still be together.