Our extended family is large now. By my count we are around 46 large if we are all together. As we get bigger it gets harder to get everyone together, but it seems we manage to still do it once a year. While its daunting, and loud, and messy for the host, at the end of the day I am always glad to have been a part of it because it's a constant in life. We do one big TG or Christmas every year, and as of now, all of us cousins are on the same schedule so we can slow down and all be together. My Grandma Woods would be so proud of the relationship her children have with one another.
At Thanksgiving the clam dip never changes. (Well, it does, but every year apparently is "the recipe") The deviled eggs always go fast. At Christmas Aunt Susan's apple cider is a holiday staple, as are her snowflake sugar cookies. The world may change. Jobs may change. New additions to the family are added. Your station in life changes. But for us, these traditions remain the same. When we get the family together, even now, it could be any year. And for that break in the day-to-day grind you face 364 days of the year, I am grateful. I am grateful my daughter gets to share in those experiences. I don't know how long it will last given that we are growing exponentially and our parents houses stubbornly stay the same size, but it is my hope that Annie gets to be old enough to at the very least, remember how it was.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas focused on family, making new traditions, and slowing down long enough to notice that the holiday really is all about your family.
Ready to go wearing the AMAZING dress that Michelle Berry got her for her Birthday. We had some trouble getting her to put the coat and hat on Michelle but I promise to get you a picture soon! Thank you for helping to make our holiday so well trimmed!
