When I was a kid, getting together with my cousins would bring me such joy. There were 11 of us in total. Three on my mom’s side and 5 on my dad’s, plus me and my two younger sisters.

I didn’t see my cousins on my mother’s side very often. They lived four hours away, on a working dairy farm in central Vermont. But, the few times when we would go up to visit them, it was like another world for us soft, suburban kids. We would play hide and seek in the barn for hours, climbing what felt like mountains of endless hay bails. There were cows to be milked, not that we got to do much of that…they had machines that made quick work of it, but my Uncle would let us give it a go. We’d run wild in the fields, sure to watch out for the huge cow pies and we’d dare each other to touch the electrified fence. We drank fresh milk, ate fresh eggs, and had such fun together. It was a magical time and the memories I have of the six of us playing together are among my most cherished.

My other cousins lived much closer and so I have many more cherished memories with them. When I got together last weekend with Paula and Gary and their wonderful family, I watched as their four grandkids reveled in the joy of their cousin togetherness, and felt the sweetness as if it were my own. They were getting together to celebrate their grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary….such a beautiful, inspiring, joyful milestone. But, for kids, really, any excuse to get together with your cousins is a good one.

Here is a peek at our time together….may we all enjoy more precious together time in the coming year.

I first met this family over a decade ago. It’s been a while since I’ve seen them and it was so nice to see where they’ve landed in life and how much love has been added to their world. Here are Kristin’s sweet boos, Charlotte & Madeline….just love how they love each other.

And boy do they love their sweet cousins, Caroline & Sadie…

Something about Caroline’s soulful eyes really get me. She reminds me of a movie star from the 1940s. And her crazy cute sweet little sister…I could just munch on those cheeks. These two belong to Kristin’s brother, Brian, and his lovely wife, Kate.

Here’s the whole crew…from left to right (Kristin and her lovely hubby, Matt, with Maddie & Charlotte; Kristin’s sweet sis, Erin, and her lovely fiance Gerri; and Brian & Kate, with their lovely girls ~ Caroline & Sadie.)

 

Lovely, happy, wonderful families…..Kristin and Matt with Charlotte and Madeline. Brian and Kate with Caroline and Sadie.

 

The soon-to-be newlyweds Erin and Gerri. Grandparents Paula and Gary with their brood. Love all of these happy faces.

The original five….

Horsing around with Uncle Matt/Dad….

I remember doing this with my dad as a kid too….and loving it as much as they are. I also love giving the kiddos a break from photos to just play…that’s always when my favorite photos happen…where the magic lives – in real life moments.

Cousins having some fun torturing their new friend by chanting while she tried desperately to get a photo of everyone looking at the camera and not with arms flailing and mouths wide open. HAHA…..I did it, you little love munchkins!

Sweet, toothless Sadie.

Fifty years of companionship, commitment and dedication….this is LOVE.

Gerri & Erin will soon embark on their own marriage next summer. I wish them lots of hand-holding and sweet kisses.

Kristin & Matt….”In your arms is where I always want to be.”

Brian & Kate….”Side by side, in life you’re my ride or die.”

The whole gang, including all the fur babies, who patiently waited during the shoot. So happy to see this wonderful bunch again, to meet some sweet new faces and reconnect in a meaningful way!

Thank you Kristin for reaching out again, for bringing me back into the family fold. I loved my time with all of you and hope these photos serve as happy reminders of this day and of the joy that comes from being together for many happy years to come! An extra big thanks for sticking around after I stupidly locked my keys (and cell phone) in the trunk and then driving me home. You are an angel and I appreciate your kindness and generosity in a BIG BIG way!! You literally rescued me!! Big love and thanks to all! Christine xoxoxo