All in the Family

Today's Wonder of the World is...Family Reunions!

You know how you can tell if you had a great family reunion? You weigh at least three pounds heavier and your face hurts from smiling.
Don't weigh me. Just take my word for it: We spent a glorious long weekend in Kentucky hugging, laughing, telling tall tales, and eating way too much home cooking at two (count them--two!) family reunions. Both the Skaggs family (my dad's side) and the Farley family (my mom's side) reunited this weekend. I think both celebrations were the best we ever had. Really, they were!
You know what that means?
Break out the elastic pants!

And while you're at it, find some dental floss for all that sweet corn!
Some sweetheart even made cornbread the way Granny used to make it.

And to wash it all down?
Ale 8! It's tradition on the Skaggs side.

But the best part food wise?

Dessert, of course, made by my dear aunties.

The food was incredible as always, but it wasn't the only thing that made both reunions amazing.
So what was it?
I thought about this all the way home, and I think I've figured out contributing factors to reunion greatness.
1. Both took place in meaningful places.

My daddy's reunion took place at his parents' farm. My cousin Adam lives at the old home place now, but just being there started the memories flowing.
Plus, there's the creek to play in!

My mother's reunion was at my Uncle Bill's house. There was plenty of room for all the kids to play and lots of space for picnic blankets...

And for bean bag toss.

I mean Corn Hole.
(Did you know it was called that? I didn't until I found it here.)

2. We played together. And not just with balls and bean bags.
Some of my cousins brought music with them.

This branch of my family tree is just dripping with musical talent. So why is my little twig all dried up? One of the mysteries of life, I guess.

3. My Aunt Patricia brought out my Granny's old photo albums. There were a bunch of them.

We spent at least an hour flipping through pages and laughing over big hair, big eyeglasses, and little short shorts.

4. Puppies!

There were plenty of dogs and several puppies at both reunions. Puppies make anyone happy.

5. Watermelon! With or without the salt.

It's a perfect reunion food, plus if things go south, you can always spit seeds at each other!

Before you scoot, tell me. Have you had a family reunion yet this summer? What's your favorite part? Any traditions to share? Food or play wise?
Have a wonder-full Wednesday, y'all!
Love, Becky