The Fourth and "Families"

As our society is changing and the traditional family is becoming a rarity, it seems to me that the term "family" is changing as well. It used to be that "family" was mom, dad, kid, grandparents, etc; but with the blending of families we now have these extended families that included step-parents, step-kids, step-grandparents and can I even go as far to say step-cousins, step-aunts and uncles. In some blended families there seems to be an imaginary line drawn in the sand; who really belongs to who, but in my case I've had the incredible blessing of having a blended family without lines, without yours and mine. Although it hasn't always been easy and at times I've been on the outskirts, I can tell you this- that when it works, it's the best!

This past 4th of July we headed to Tybee Island, where part of my "step" family lives. We had a blast with all the cousins and aunts and uncles. No, their not mine by blood, but I inherited them through marriage, but they are great. We had a relaxing time on the beach, staying up late, watching the hot dog eating contest, jet skiing, enjoying the local atmosphere, watching the kids play, drinking fruity beverages, seeing dolphins off shore, fireworks, and just being together.

I'm so glad that through my life I've had these different aspects of "family". It's made me who I am. So here's to you guys, J&C, H&B, S families and D&S. Thank you for including us and we look forward to the next family get together!

If your counting, that's 7 cousins- 6 boys and one princess

(ages 12, 10, 4, 4, 4, 2, 2)!