The Allred cousins are all grown up. Most of us are in our 30's or 40's. Yet we are still close. Every other year, we have a big family reunion, like the one described in The Narrows Escape. That may be the only time we get to see almost everyone at once, but luckily we have other opportunities. Last night we had our annual Christmas party for all the Allreds living in Utah. Although there were a couple of the cousins missing, I counted 13 of my cousins there with their families, as well as two sets of aunts and uncles. Tonight, my parents are hosting another Allred Christmas party for all the Allreds living in California. We also get together for the 4th of July, weddings, etc. When I hear others complaining about how much they can't stand their cousins, I just can't relate. I know each one of my cousins and their spouses by name. I know most of their kids by name (although it gets a little harder each year to remember them all). And best of all, I love spending time with all of them. Our family reunions and other family parties have kept us close over the years. They have allowed our kids to get to know each other and become friends.
If you don't feel close to your extended family, I encourage you to find ways to get together and renew those acquaintances. Find a large place to get together, enjoy a potluck dinner together, play some games, or just talk. Make sure that there are plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied so that they are enjoying themselves too - otherwise it might turn out to be a bomb rather than a blast. And don't give up if the first time doesn't turn out as great as you are hoping. Sometimes it takes a few years for those family ties to gel - especially if you haven't seen each other in a while. If you stick with it, the benefits can be fabulous! Over the years, I've seen friends come and go as circumstances have changed; but family - families are forever!
