Dad Dad's Family Reunion

3 Generations

For well over 50 years my Dad's side of the family has gotten together annually for a family reunion. My Dad's mother (Granny) and 4 of her sisters (The Aunts) came to the United States from Ireland in the early 1900's. The sisters were always extremely close and once a year had a big party to get everybody together. As our family has multiplied we have outgrown the backyard barbecue and now rent a pavilion at the State Park.

Back in the day Granny and her sisters would all line up their chairs in a row near the buffet table and critique all the kids as we passed by to get our food. It was like passing the reviewing stand at a parade. As we walked past you would hear things like, "Now Katie, is that Donald's daughter? Well, would you look how big she's gotten." or "Mary, that's Jack's oldest, right? Isn't he the one that makes a lot of money?" You get the idea. It was always so much fun to listen to them all sit there as proud as peacocks talking about their families. It's been many, many years since Granny or any of The Aunts have been alive but their love for each other and their families is still evident at these gatherings.

I wonder what Granny and The Aunts would have to say about me!

The reunion is always the 3rd Saturday in June and it is normally either pouring down rain or unbelievably HOT...but that doesn't matter...the show must go on! Today the weather was perfect! The temperature was in the 80s and there was a beautiful breeze blowing. Somehow it just didn't feel right! I wonder if it's possible to order the same weather for next year?

I tell you Clare...even with my shades on the paparazzi still hound me!

I've been looking forward to bringing Lily to the family reunion for years. Honestly...years. A while back a friend of mine called me and told me that one of her friends was adopting from China and to help fund the adoption she was making dresses. Jane had seen the fabric for one of the dresses and told me it would be perfect for "one of those Irish things your family does". The print on the dress has shamrocks, ladybugs, and lily-of-the valley. Could it be more perfect? I absolutely loved the dress and could just picture what our Lily would look like in it. I was wrong. She looked 100 times sweeter than I even imagined!

Lily received her first piece of jewelry at the family reunion. Aunt Pat and Uncle Bernie gave Lily a beautiful silver bracelet with her name engraved on it. It's funny, I've virtually stopped wearing all jewelry because Lily always tries to pull it right off me. It's a different story when it's on her. She loves her bracelet and will twist her arm to the right and left admiring it!

Thanks Aunt Pat and Uncle Bernie!