In our family, when you have something to celebrate, it becomes a major event. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, baby dedications/christenings / baptisms, and even funerals are all events where our extended family gathers together. It’s a time when we catch up with each other, play “pass the baby”, look at old photos and laugh at how we used to look. It’s a time when we re-tell the family legends and stories that make up our past. And it’s a great time to get everyone in one place for the perfect family photo.
Our photos from this weekend show Grandma and Grandpa Royall, surrounded by their “immediate” family of sons, daughter, inlaw kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. And an extra or two, tossed in for good measure. As much as our photographer tried to get everyone to look at the camera with smiles and open eyes, it just didn’t happen. Instead, we have a multitude of photos with baby cousins squirming, grandkids giggling, and aunts and uncles laughing until tears rolled down their faces.
The only ones who were following directions were the grandparents.
The Extended Royall Family - October, 2009
But you know, it’s really ok. It shows us the way we are. Which is one big bunch of people who love each other, who can laugh and cry together, even though we may have a few differences of opinions from time to time.
Someday, when my kids and grandkids look through all my pictures and see these, they’ll think…
“these are perfect family photos!”
The Original Family…Jake, Gwen, Paul, Frances, Tom, & Rick
John C, James, Dean, Jesse, Jeannie and their family members were unable to join us…and they were greatly missed by all.
(But that didn’t keep us from thinking and talking about you! )
You’re right, they are perfect! I don’t know how many you and Tom took, but I’l like to have all of them so I can make another album!
I didn’t take as many with my camera as he did with his. Maybe I was busier than he was?
But between the two of us, we’ve got a bunch. I’ll copy them over and bring them to you next week.