Family gathering...

Sunday my family all gathered at Grandads for a meal together. My grandads only living sibling from PA , Uncle Cliff...and his wife Aunt Margaret had been down here to attend the funeral mass service of their daughter....Mom's cousin, my 2nd cousin...whom lost her battle with cancer...several weeks ago... I didn't know her that well...but I know Mom has mentioned her on her blog before. Uncle Cliff and Aunt Margaret use to live here...but had since moved back to PA to be with their family....but still owned a home here....while they were here they decided to go ahead and put their house for sale on the market.... it sold in 2 weeks.

My aunt Linda and I were talking a few weeks ago...and thought it would be a good idea if we all got together for a meal at Grandads....so Uncle Cliff and Aunt Margaret could spend time with everyone...especially Grandad.... They are getting up there in age and travel takes a toll on them anymore....it saddens us to think , this very well could be the last visit for Grandad and Uncle Cliff.....because once they are back in PA ...they will be there to stay. So we decided to make the most of it....

My Aunt Linda as well as mom and several other family members fixed a feast....we had turkey, dressing, corn, green beans, noodles, potato casserole, BBQ Boston Butt, slaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, yeast rolls, spaghetti (grandmas recipe)....Almond Joy cake, Chocolate Eclair, some dessert breads, homemade blackberry cobbler ....it was all delicious....everyone got their belly stuffed....and all settled into the family room to chat awhile....and catch up.

Many family members from out of town were home whom we hadn't seen in quite some time, it was so good to see them.... We missed you Uncle Jeff....wished you had been here :)

My Aunt Linda always cut Uncle Cliff's hair when they lived here...and he wanted to get her to cut it one last time before they made their trip back home.... he wanted his picture taken while doing so...and was grinning ear to ear.... afterwards I called Grandad in there and also Aunt Margaret to get some pictures...to capture the memories.... we had a good ol' time. In one pic Aunt Margaret had a pissed off look on her face, I looked at the pic and said "Nope, you look pissed Aunt Margaret...we need to try again"....we laughed and laughed....I got some good pics....everyone had a wonderful time....

Grandad called me a couple days later and told me he really had a great time and was glad Jeff and I were able to make it....with Jeff being so busy with the Lawn Care Business and myself having had Oral Surgery just a couple days before....I was bound and determined to get there one way or another....I wouldn't miss it for the world!

I have such fond memories of Uncle Cliff and Aunt Margaret as a child...and even into adulthood.... he always reminded me so much of Grandad....I thought they looked so much alike....especially when Grandad was a little heavier... I will miss them so much....but have the memories to hold near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life....

They will be leaving in the next week or so to go back to PA....Grandad has been trying to visit them weekly at least once...up until they leave...I'm so glad they were able to spend this time together.

I. Love. My. Family.