Last weekend we flew to Amarillo, Texas partly for my husband’s high school reunion, and partly to see family as his aunt turned 95. An additional perk was our niece flew up from Louisiana to see us while we were there, along with her 15 month old daughter. We were also grateful for my brother-in-law’s hospitality; we stayed with him during our visit.

Instead of joining my husband at his reunion (where I’d know almost no one) I opted out and spent Friday and Saturday evening instead visiting with some of his cousins. First of all, I recommend marrying a guy you like his family and want to hang out with them, and secondly, marry one where you are able to speak up and say what you need. It worked well for us both for me not to attend his reunion, and I feel too often people don’t speak up and say what they need to. After all, what blesses one blesses all.

James’ aunt has been a strong matriarch of that family, and it was great to see her again. I admire her in so many ways. She had a health scare last summer, but thankfully has rallied. She has seventeen grandchildren, and so far 12 great-grandchildren, the smallest of which is shown in these photos at 2 months old. One of the grandchildren made the lovely quilt shown below as a present for her 95th birthday. See in these photos a dear family, gathering around this beloved one, like moths to her flame. I am so grateful we had this time together.