Sunday, September 19, 2010

A Cousin Night Out



My dad has 7 siblings. From those 7 siblings came 41 cousins, most of them being raised in the same town (at least most of the time). I grew up across the street from one family, another of my uncles' kids lived up the street for awhile, and an aunt and her family in the circle across the street the other way. My grandma lived kitty-corner to my house, so all those that didn't live less than a mile away came to visit her (and therefore us) all the time. We were a happy group. Getting together for Thanksgiving was out of the question--there were way too many of us. But the 4th of July and Christmas Eve were Clark holidays. I looked forward to those gatherings as much as Christmas day itself.

We've all grown up now. Our youngest cousin is in college (as are the first two second cousins!). Our Christmas eve parties slowly died after each family got too big and started their own traditions. Part of our 4th of July celebration still exists, but with as many kids as there are running around, conversation between adults is slim and often interrupted.

So in an effort to get together like old days, my cousin Natalie put on a fantastic dinner, and we all sat around and laughed and ate well. We were reminded of the time Lisa said from the pulpit that she wouldn't do a "half-assed job" on her mission to Japan; the time Christopher wasn't there to play the piano for the Christmas Carols, leaving me to plunk it out for an impatient aunt Chriss who was leading the singing; or when Elvin the Elf brought Stephanie paper dolls for too many years in a row and left her crying.

We still were missing cousin representatives from 4 of 8 families, so we've still got more recruiting to do. But after a night like that, high in the mountains eating lasagna and raspberry-peach cobbler and laughing to tears, I'd swear heaven has a big Cousin Room filled with food that Natalie cooked and people that entertain you all the time. Because eternity would be really long without cousins.

10 comments:

~j. said...

What would it take for you to do an updated photo with everyone in the same pose?

Kimba said...

i hail from the same background, though we called bountiful home. we grew up together, lived together, vacationed together, and still hang out together. it's what i miss most about living out of state now!

Just SO said...

I love cousins. We had a first annual family reunion the summer and it was so awesome to get to see and visit with those cousins that I spent many a Sunday night playing in the fields with.

And I concur. There has to be a big cousin room up in Heaven.

Lindsey said...

Oh yes. An updated/same pose photo is definitely in order. That would be hilarous. And I don't want a "half-assed" re-creation either!

I'm just trying to see if I know who everyone is...is that Lucy with the cute tummy showing? And on the far right (hahaha) one is definitely Tom's (Jamie?), and I'm not sure who the one is that is so dang excited, but I love it!

Kim said...

I knew I'd miss a night to remember. Thanks for the invite and for the post. It made me laugh. Good Times! We are all lucky to be Clarks!

jayne wells said...

Linds, you were right about everyone! That is Jamie and she is holding onto an excited Natalie!

Kim--next year you'll be there! We're hoping to do it every year!! We miss you though!

Anonymous said...

What a great photo! Cute cute cousins. I'm so glad you were able to get together. You will have to keep it up for sure. I've heard a lot from Jayne and Katie about the fun and funny stories and delicious food.(Imagine the fun you will have when Courtney comes next time!) I too can't wait to see the photo recreated.I love all those cute girls!
Love Aunt Lisa and Jayne's mom

JaMie HeApS said...

oh my, jayne that pic. is great. the night sounds like a party, bummed i missed it. im having a feeling my fam. was one of the 4 that didnt have a rep. mabey next year.

Unknown said...

all I can say is, those are some amazing haircuts, Our mom's weren't lazy at all! I especially like casey and sarah's mullets.

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