Camping Cousins

I recently went to a lecture on family recreation and did you know that some of the most significant memories are the small and simple ones; the ones we don't really even think about at the moment? Like, swinging in a two-person hammock with your cousin:)

It made me smile to see these two, or rather I heard their giggles first. Two kids, just shy of a year apart, who don't get to see each other very much, but run to share a hammock and laugh at everything they have missed since the last time they caught up. They will not remember what they were talking about, but they will remember the feel of the subtle swing, the smell of fresh mountain air, and the joy of sharing a moment snuggled up next to someone you've shared memories with since you were a baby.

My cousin, Cheryl, was just six days older than I. We were lucky enough to live just around the corner from each other until fourth grade. We were inseparable. We played dolls together, rode bikes together, ate watermelon together and yes, camped together. The main thing I associate with every memory I share with Cheryl is laughter -- we laughed until our bellies hurt. After seeing my daughter and her cousin just hanging, it made me long for another moment with Cheryl. I think I need to call her!

Go call your cousin and make a new memory too!!!!