thoughts of quality "tousin" time

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Today we commemorate 14 years since Cindy passed away. And knowing that 14 was Cindy's favorite number, we thought it would be fun to have a larger than usual gathering of family - specifically including more cousins - to enjoy some food and games.

Some of the fun-filled goings-on throughout the afternoon and evening included... 

• Diana and VJ helping to make spam musubi, just minutes after walking through the door

• Joyce getting the clue "rigormortis" in a round of Taboo, and Sean (her husband) correctly guessing it

• Cyn Cyn insisting to include herself (eavesdrop) in Angela and Leslie's conversations

• Carla, Mike, Brooke and Michaela driving non-stop from their weekend trip in Lake Tahoe to join us by early evening

• Sean and VJ appreciating the fun of enjoying a root beer float from a frosted glass mug

• Andrew and Bayani playing with transformers

• Josh (Angela's husband) not hesitating to help prepare some asparagus to share

• All the kids chasing each other, running laps through the kitchen and living room

• Shawn (Arlene's husband) and I playing a round of Boggle that included a "Qu", "K" and "V"

• Cary agreeing to be the "monster" in the kids' game, and Cyn Cyn braiding Noel's hair

• VJ, Andrew and I playing cards with our parents, with Mom claiming to not know how to play, yet managing to beat us all

• Leland hanging out with Cyn Cyn and Ava in the blanket fort to watch "Dolphin Tale"

I think Cindy was watching from above and smiling, appreciating how we were gathered in her honor; and also that we were behaving in ways that she would undoubtedly join in herself.

It was definitely a heartfelt way to spend the day, being surrounded with family, and enjoying quality time with cousins; or as Bayani might refer to it, "with tousins."