May 31

I have a big family.  Not absurdly big or anything, but with my Dad being one of four and my mom one of three and everyone married with children and then with all the in-law families married with children, it can seem a bit large to outsiders.  Probably because we're all so close as well.

I love it.  I love it when we all get together.  We have some amazing cooks and bakers in the family so there's never a shortage of delicious food.  And with my Dad and Uncle's, I'm never short on laughs.

The best holiday's were the one where Cousin Brian was there. Yes, that's his name.  Cousin. Brian. That's what I called him - and still do :)

~1987

See, when he was about 8 or 9 years old he moved across the country to Pennslyvania to live with his Dad.  We're exactly 1 year and 2 days apart in age, so for the first 9 years of my life he was at just about every family gathering and my very best friend growing up.  My older brother wanted to do boy things like play outside and ride skateboards.  But Cousin Brian liked what I liked.  He wanted to dance around the room to La Bamba with me and play My Little Pony.  

I hated when he moved.  Every holiday I ask if Cousin Brian would be there.  He didn't really like to fly alone, so most holiday's he stayed out there.  But I was so excited for the one's he did come to. Those were the best ones.

September 2010 - At his wedding

Happy Birthday to my most Favorite Cousin!  I love you so so much.  You really are one of my favorite people in the whole wide world.  The best days are always with you.

LMF