Fall Family Festivities 

A Fall family gathering that included steamed clams, a garbage can turkey, some Cornhole (you're welcome, Cocoa Cola, for the free advertising),  and an eighty-eight year old patriarch.  His wise and soulful eyes have thousands of miles under their belt.  He is known as "Pop," and even though he is not technically my Pop, I call him that anyway.  His daughter is my Aunt Kathy, and she is a child whisperer in her own right!  Pop and his daughter are gentle souls.  My cousins are very lucky to have such a Pop, and Mom!  And let's not forget about my Uncle Dave.  Playful, yet driven -- and talented beyond belief!  

A little of this and a little of that was documented that afternoon.  These are images that will serve as a reminder -- a reminder that a smile is the pretties thing anyone can wear (boys and girls alike, young or old).  Enjoy these moments!  xoxox

My Aunt Kathy and Uncle Dave.  And that handsome Nelson known as 'Pop''

Cousins Shannon & Scott, and their daughter.

Cousins Thomas and Kelly, and their fun-loving crew!

A friendly little Cornhole match.  

This is so infectious, everyone wants in on the joke (including me)!

Both Kathy and Dave have a knack for all things green.  They are wizards at flower gardening!  And they have passed that skill along to both of their daughters, Shannon & Kelly.

This is a really sweet moment.  Kathy's Mom (Maudie) passed away some years ago, and the necklace she's wearing was her Mother's.  She mentioned to me that she had been missing her very much lately, and that the necklace served as a nice reminder.  Moments later, I noticed she was showing the necklace to her father.  I nice little intimate exchange I was able to preserve!  

The turkey is underneath... and had been smoking all day.  If you want more information on how to make a smoked garbage can turkey, follow this link.  (Take care in choosing a proper garbage can, as some can emit toxic fumes).

My daughter spent the first several years of her life with these two!  Everyone is growing up way too fast!

Kelly is so fond of her Pop.  This is a sweet little moment!

Children are drawn to this woman.  She is loving and charming, two irresistible qualities!  

Feeding the koi in the fish pond!

All of the lovely ladies!

And Lily, who needed her own moment in the sun (or, well, "the clouds" since it was an overcast afternoon).  She is 15 years young, and as beautiful as ever!  

The End