Most Memorable

In response to Dancing Elephants prompt 52 of 52

So, the old saying goes, what do you get with six kids? Our answer is fifteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a lot of fun.

Seventeen years ago, we thought, how do we ensure the cousins grow up together? Answer: Cousins’ Day

This year, we have children from three states, grandchildren from the same, and one great-grandchild from California. Also attending was a son we hadn’t seen in almost twelve years (a story for another time), a new daughter-in-law, and three new grandchildren between eighteen and twenty-two.

There was actually NO; I repeat, NO drama, complaining, arguments, crying, or even one raised voice (other than the kids playing water polo).

The kids who already knew each other from previous events quickly made up for lost time. The kids that hadn’t even met the others, including us as grandparents, were integrated into the mix within hours.

We began with six baby-back racks and three St. Louis ribs. Thirty-six individual beef hot dogs, twenty bags of assorted chips, four bowls of dip, two very large bowls with assorted fruit balls, and three very heavy watermelons for the eating contest. Grandma made four large pans of blondies (there weren’t any left).

Logistics

Most people drove to our home in Henderson (Las Vegas), and four flew in from TN. A total of twenty-seven stayed in our home: bedrooms, couches, chairs, and self-blow-up beds. There were also a few people staying in a hotel. It was one of the few times that wearing hearing aids worked to my advantage.

Bottom Line

Everyone is still talking about their fun and what they learned and experienced. We are so glad we did this. If you want to make memories for your family, consider Cousins’ Day

That was a memory that will stand the test of time.

Thanks for reading. The Dancing Elephant Press archives are filled with many stories that may give you an idea or two that will create a memory for you. Please click here for stories, past and present.