Relative Geography

This is a shot of my gramma and my "aunt" Mary (technically, since she and my gramma are first cousins, she is my cousin, as well) at the family picnic in Ann Arbor. Mary lives in California, and her son John was the reunion organizer. I think it's safe to say that Gramma and Aunt Mary were happy to see each other.

We spent Saturday at a beautiful riverside park spot in Ann Arbor. Other of my cousins played kickball; I spent most of my time there catching up with my cousins Olivia, Meghan, Duffy, Maize and lots of the progeny that was in attendance.

We went back to the hotel around 4, and were called by Gramma around 6 to ask if we were ready to go to dinner. So the big Saturday night dinner was in a new locale, and Lynn and I hotfooted it over there . . . you all will be happy to know that the Frenches were the second family to arrive. That's right; we were early!

Anyway, dinner was really nice. The food was great, and there were lots of stories of happenings from different family members. I got to hear from my up and coming Houston rock star cousin Ras, and talked to my cousin Mason a little bit-- he was too tired to give us an example of his poetry performances, but I plan to see him live on stage at George Mason in December.

The small people in attendance were quizzed by John about their favorite things and what they've been up to all summer. I got a great shot of little Will playing the piano-- he was egged on by all of the little girls there.

Rather than hang out again on Saturday night, I went home and did some reading and writing before turning in.


Sunday was breakfast and goodbyes. We had brunch en famille at Weber's restaurant, taking one last chance to hug everyone goodbye, and then we hit the road.