Summertime has brought many visitors and we LOVE it! Being military and away from family has it’s challenges. It is often expensive to visit family and not always easy with busy schedules, deployments, etc. However, it is important to foster those family ties. I’m the first to admit that I’m not good at letter writing, emails, sending pictures, etc. I have good intentions, but being a mother is sometimes all I can do with 4 peoples’ schedules, routines, etc; I often “fail” at being the best correspondent. This is why we love visitors because the kids and I can re-connect with family and show them how much we do love and appreciate them and create memories.
There is a unique “power” found in family relationships. It is one that transcends through time, distance, and “issues.” The saying, “blood is thicker than water” is a true statement. My children see their family maybe once a year and often have gone for longer stints without visits. Yet, when they are together it is an immediate connection, familiarity, and comfort.
We are blessed this week to have my sister and nephew visiting from Ohio. It is so fun to see my children pick up like time hasn’t stopped. We have had lots of wrestling, giggling, dancing and singing and look forward to many more memories of summertime childhood.
Some of my fondest memories with cousins are summer visits, camping, water fun, playing sports, playing on the farm. I tend to take lots of pictures to capture these memories and make photo albums of family members so that our children are familiar with family members, it reinforces the memories created and becomes a precious keepsake for our kids.
What are some of the ways you foster cousin relationships with your tween? Do you find the same magic and “power” in family relationships?
Tags: Activities, children, family fun, Kristen Paulsen, military, military families, summer, tween
