Family Reunion

For the last 10+ years the Ott Family Coon Feed has been hosted by my mom. For this reason, I make it a priority to attend (sadly, not sure if I would otherwise). Ott is my mom's maiden name. I believe the reason it's called a Coon Feed is because my mom's dad and his brother's hunted coon. I have heard rumors that my grandpa put his kids through college by selling coon skins. Either way, my grandpa was a big hunter. They keep tradition and always have bbq coon burgers (which I hear tastes just like chicken;) and a fish fry.

This was the first year since my grandpa passed away. The baton has successfully been passed.

The Otts are incredibly close-knit. Mom mom's siblings travel all over to attend every mission farewell and every wedding. We gather for baby blessings, baptisms, graduations, birthdays. Growing up we spent our spring breaks and summer vacations traveling to visit family. I spent a month every summer with my cousin Anne Marie. I attended EFY more than once with 3 cousins: Wendy, Jessie and Anne Marie. All 4 of us went to college together in Provo. I could do a whole post on my girl cousins (and the wives of my boy cousins).

They are some of my dearest friends.

This did not happen by chance.

Our parents sacrificed a lot to make sure we had those bonds.

We have learned through their example that family is the most important thing in life.

"small group" this year. Missing most of my cousins

***

Now we are the parents.

And it's our turn to replicate that magical childhood for our children and their cousins.

To strengthen them.

To support them.

To encourage them.

To enliven them.

I think it's working.

This is Andee.

She's my new BFF.

And such an inspiration to me.

(yes, that's frosting)

p.s. I was so glad this guy could be here this year, after missing last year.

p.p.s. This is exactly what it looks like.