Cousins Reunion

On Saturday, the 7th of July, we got together with many of my (Sue's) cousins on my father's side of the family.  Approximately 55 of the descendants of Ershel Lawrence and Alice Harris met at the Heritage Park in Cedar Hills, Utah for a reunion -- the first of it's type in many, many years.  We had a fairly low percentage in attendance (I would guess 25% or less) of the total progeny of Ershel and Alice, but what we lacked in numbers, we made up for in spirit, love and fun. Some came from far away. Richard (my brother) and most of his family flew in from Houston, and three of Caryl & Ann's daughters drove from Boise.  We were so glad to have them there!

When we were kids, we got together at grandma and grandpa Harris' farm in the summer, and had close relationships.  Many of us were pen-pals and stayed in touch through high school, but as the years have passed, it's been harder to keep the ties strong.  This was a great opportunity to catch up with each other!  Everyone who came is in the picture above.

The first cousins in my generation are in the picture above -- no spouses or children.

 Here are the cousins with their spouses.

This picture includes all my siblings in attendance with their children.

Aunt Margie was the only attendee from her generation.  Ershel and Alice had five sons.  Only two of them are still living.  Rob, her oncologist son who lives in Farmington, Utah is with her above.

Kathy, Jeannie and Eileen (below) brought pictures to share.  It was really fun to go through them all and laugh and enjoy memories from the past.

These are the cousins that drove up from Boise.  It was so fun to have a good visit.  They were some of our closest cousins from our childhood.

Starla Kendell is my double cousin. (above with her husband Duane)  Our mothers married brothers (Farrel and Eldon).  Starla and Duane brought the sloppy joes to share with everyone.  So good!  I've got to get the recipe!  Everyone else brought side dishes to share.  Eating good food is always a big part of all our family get-togethers.

It was a great time!  We were reminded of the importance of family, and keeping the ties strong.  We're hoping not to wait another twenty years before we get together again.