Everything is bigger in Texas

At the end of July (while Cameron was off living it up in Fresno) I decided to fly to Texas for my brother Jason and Grandpa's birthday. Their birthday's fall on the same weekend. We used to celebrate them together every year when I was a kid. I have wonderful memories of everyone (everyone would be my parents, 2 sisters, my brother, my aunt and uncle and their 2 boys and my grandparents) sitting around my grandparents dinning room table after eating an amazing meal my dad had made. We would sing happy birthday and my brother and Grandpa would open their presents.

But over the years we all moved to various parts of the country and we hadn't been all together in a really long time. The last time I saw my brother, Aunt and Grandpa was last year when Cameron and i went to visit. The last time I saw my cousins was at my Grandma's funeral 6 years ago!

I am so glad I went! There where some differences from the last time we celebrated together. My Grandma wasn't there. We ate dinner at a restaurant instead of their house - my Grandpa's house burned down about 9 months ago, he is rebuilding it but it wasn't finished in time for the festivities. My Aunt and Uncle are now divorced and my Aunt has a new boyfriend. Only one of my cousins was able to make it and my brother is now married with 2 kids of his own.

However it was still a wonderful experience. I got to spend time with my wonderful family. I also was able to see some family from my mom's side. Her cousin Mike and his family let us crash at their place.

Okay enough talking! Picture time!