Family Reunion

We had a family reunion at our camp in the country this weekend.  Nothing formal, not very organized, lots of old pictures and letters, a big Thanksgiving meal (I'm not going to be very much up to turkey and dressing this Thursday), and lots of wonderful people, some of whom I've not seen in more years than I can count.

It was so nice to come together in a light-hearted way after so many funerals of the last generation.  Not everyone could come, and they were missed.  Still, there were so many descendants from Walter and Jennie McDowell, with the oldest generation left being their grandchildren (my cousins), and most of us were able be there.  My cousins and I all fielded a lot of remarks about how we have become our parents:  "Jenny Claire, you look just like your mother!"  "Martha, you are the spit of Aunt Corry!"  "Jimmy Mac, you look just like your dad!"

I have to admit that is a little disconcerting.  :)  And then there were so many of my cousins' children, and their children, and in some cases, their children.  These were a true joy; our children and their children.  Especially our latest member of the McDowell clan, Wee Jack, our miracle baby, who now at 6 months, weighs 11 lbs.  A far cry from the 1.1 lbs. when he entered the world 3 months early.

Wee Jack smiles that gummy baby smile and chuckles at his mother Megan's efforts to make him laugh.  All babies are miraculous to me, but seeing the progress this little guy has made is a blessing.

I left my camera in the cabin, so I can't post any pictures right now, but our first family reunion was a success, and I suppose that will be my most important "thankful" for this Thanksgiving season--that we could gather and exchange old stories and new and reconnect with those who have moved far away.