1fam·i·ly
noun \ˈfam-lē, ˈfa-mə-\
: a group of people who are related to each other
: a person's children
: a group of related people including people who lived in the past
In human context, a family (from Latin: familia) is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity (by recognized birth), affinity (by marriage), or co-residence (household).
As the basic unit for raising children, Anthropologists most generally classify family organization as matrifocal (a mother and her children); conjugal (a husband, his wife, and children; also called nuclear family); avuncular (a brother, his sister, and her children); or extended family in which parents and children co-reside with other members of one parent's family.
To me, Family is so much more than the unemotional definitions. Webster's makes no mention of the love, bonding, support and encouragement, one's foundation to life and living, nurturing, the laughter, the tears, teasing and joking, the respect, knowing you can depend on each other, celebrating milestones or just for each day of being together ... all the essential components that bring bloodlines together as one whole family.
We're so blessed to have wonderful families on both sides. This summer we were able to spend quality times with those we love ... OUR FAMILY.
McTraveler ended our 2013 Spring RV trip by arriving in Pam's hometown of Louisville, KY just in time for the 4th of July and some family celebrating. Jim and I had decided at the beginning of Spring that we had to buy water soaker guns for the little (and big) kids so we could have some major family Summer fun ... so let the fun begin ...
Besides celebrating the fact that we are together ... we love celebrating milestones and events. We start out with our grand daughter's 4th birthday party who came from Vermont with our daughter and son-in-law. What a fun time for all ... the birthday girl, parents, grand and great grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.
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| Our little princess is growing up too fast! |
The next day, taking advantage of the kids being out of school, we head out to the Louisville Zoo. What a fun filled day for the kids and the grown ups too!
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| The Louisville Zoo was more fun than a barrel of monkeys! |
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| Sisters together again over the BIG CELEBRATION weekend |
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| Spooning since 1954 ... we cherish the hearts that love us. |
Even though we are now scattered, we make it home to share the love and catch up with each other.
We were so pleased and proud to celebrate Pam's parents 60th Anniversary.
Family arrived from all over the country to be part of this testimony of love and marriage. Mom and Dad are our shining examples of Love, Honor, Hope, Faith, and Encouragement. Just couldn't ask for a better childhood or adulthood. Mom and Dad's 60 year legacy of love and hard work produced a wonderfully loving family.
Family arrived from all over the country to be part of this testimony of love and marriage. Mom and Dad are our shining examples of Love, Honor, Hope, Faith, and Encouragement. Just couldn't ask for a better childhood or adulthood. Mom and Dad's 60 year legacy of love and hard work produced a wonderfully loving family.
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| Their legacy continues to grow. |
My maternal grandfather started a family tradition back in 1974: The Collier Family Reunion. This gathering of family has been held the first Saturday every August since then. McTraveler picked up Mom and Dad from our Kentucky home and set our course for Sweet Home Alabama.
Mom became a pro at RV travel last summer when she went on adventures with us through out the northeast. This was Dad's first trip; and even though he felt a little claustrophobic, I think he enjoyed the overall trip to my grandparents farm. It's strange, this was my first trip back since they both passed late in their 90's; and just won't be the same but glad family tradition carries on.
As McTraveler pulled in to boondock next to the cornfield above the barn; and as the oldest grandchild of this clan, decades of good times of family, fun, and food memories flooded in and overwhelmed me. I miss my grandparents. Cousin Larry and his wife Phyllis purchased the Collier farm; and I'm so pleased it stayed in the family and they are lovingly bringing it back to life. Many thanks to Larry and Phyllis for being gracious hosts and the hard work they put out to feed us and take us on Jim's first wagon mule team ride throughout the beautiful countryside.
The family reunion was bitter sweet. I so enjoyed being with everyone; but with only a few great aunts remaining of grandpa's immediate family, I left sad knowing I won't see some of the oldest generation again. Mom is the oldest of her generation left. But seeing toddlers starting their first steps at the reunion, I know the circle of life continues.
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| Collier Family Reunion August 2013 |
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| Circa 1894 Great Grandfather Collier as a child |
Talking with and hearing the stories from the older generations, I found reunions are the perfect place to trace genealogy and had several fun days scanning hundreds of old photographs.
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| Early 1900's Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother Collier |
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| 1944 Grandparents |
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| My Grandparents attending the 1985 Collier Reunion |
After Labor Day we head back to Kentucky; but stop in St. Louis, Missouri see see my sis and brother-in-law. We were camped overnight at Wal-ee World and they drove up from DeSoto. Mona and Paul introduced us to one of their favorite hang outs for good food and music ... Helen Fitzgerald's Irish Grill and Pub. We had a blast catching up, good food, music and dancing the night away.
Wish we could have spent more time with Mona and Paul; but Mona had to go back to work and we were headed to Louisville to see Mom and Dad one more time before reporting to Amazon in Campbellsville, KY. The Amazon CamperForce experience will be yet another blog post.
Mom is a fantastic cook and she put on the Southern spread for us; what a treat after a day on the road. Besides cooking, Mom is renown for her quilting ... an unbelievable fabric artist. I always try to do a project whenever I have her expertise at hand. This time I made McTraveler some new placemats and coasters. Earlier this summer, Mom made a cover for our printer out of the same fabric.
Dad is brilliant patent holder engineer; and we always have very deep discussions. The latest topic was the applications of nano technology. We live in such a fascinating world and times.
As we prepare to leave Mom and Dad's on our last night in Louisville; we are bade so long with a magnificent night sky beaming down on us.
We eagerly anticipate that you'll be back soon to read more of McTravelers RV Adventures ... and be sure to check out Part 2 of WE ARE FAMILY ... where Jim's side of our family are the shining stars!
Until then, wishing you safe travels,
Pam, Jim, Maxx and Mollie
