August 9, 2011
Let me introduce you to my very cool (cooler-than-we-will-ever-be) cousins. And their annual summer music video.
Back in the day, when we were young, all my mom’s siblings gathered their chilluns (here) in Island Park for a summer reunion. We skied, canoed, swam, ate, laughed like crazy, slept in sleeping bags. I even watched my Grandpa ski in his blue jeans – right off this dock. That might be a lost art…
Then we grew up, got married, and had babies of our own. But the Keslers still reunion at the lake. And we reunion too. But elsewhere. With our own strand of posterity from Grandma and Grandpa Wray.
Our reunion happens to start this Friday – so the Glee song couldn’t be more appropriate. We’ll be “gettin’ down” in the mountains north of here (not with anything this impressive), but don’t feel jealous Mom, my family’s somersault number for the talent show is gonna knock your socks off!
I love these people. (Word to the in-laws. The Keslers ‘aint got nothin’ on you. You can definitely hold your own.)
It might look like this is all about having fun, but what it really says (in its own unique way) is that there’s nothing like Family. Building strong families builds lives, provides a place where you can be yourself, be held up, feel unconditionally loved. Really. It changes the world. Everyone deserves to be part of something like this.
Snippets from the running commentary as my five littles crowded around the screen to watch this for the fifth time:
Eliza: “Are those all their kids? What kind of a car do they fit in?”
Ali: “The look like they’re having fun. Mom – we need to have a celebration like that.”
Sami: “Do we know them?”
Spencer: “Ma! Ma! You see dat? You see dat splash!”
Click here to watch their video from last Summer. Keslers – you always make a big splash. xo
Here’s to family.
Kelsi Fullmer
Thanks for posting this Cath! We need to bring the Wray reunion back to Island Park one of these days. Great memories there. You are so right…nothing like being apart of a family. Love you!
LizzyP
Hilarious. You're right–everyone deserves to feel a part of something as wonderful as a family.
cristie
once again amazing! the little tykes are adorable. xox
Ulrich Family
That was so nice of you to post that Catherine. You are such a great writer and always put things into perspective. Family is the best!!!
catharvy
Kelsi – Agreed! We ought to have a cousin's reunion at the lake. That would be a riot! So I'm curious… who's the mastermind behind these? And who does the editing?
Liz – Yes, everyone deserves that kind of joy and acceptance. xo
Cristie – I know. I love all the baby-tossing and kids grooving.
Katie – My girls are still asking to watch it. You made their day. And mine!
Rachel
That is awesome! Isn't family great! I feel that same pull, memories from my childhood and teenage years, great moments with my moms family every year at reunions and camping trips. Now we have our own kids and are barely able to keep up with our own activities and reunions. It is kind of sad that we don't have time to continue those relationships in the same way. I think someday when we are all together again and have all the time in the world we will have some great parties like this with everyone we love and care for. Yes, family is everything.
Anonymous
SOOOOOO AWESOME!!! I am a mother of four but maybe this family would consider adopting me?!
catharvy
Anon – your comment made me laugh.