Ballou Family Picnic, 2009 Edition

So the sun was no where to be found and the temps didn't get out of the 60s.
No matter, a good time was had at the Ballou Family Picnic held yesterday in Burlington, MA.
Of course it took some of the Bowles children longer to get into the family picnic spirit than others.  Will jumped right in (after a trip to the adjacent playground), chowing down on teriyaki chicken (thanks cousin Ed!), grilled corn on the cob (thanks Ed/Uncle Ed/Eleanor!) and diet Dr. Pepper (I did bring something for us).  Ebby ate corn and fresh fruit (gasp!) but really perked up when they lit the candles on cousin Louise's birthday cake.  Cuyler spent his time either playing on the playground or pouting under a picnic table.  He came around eventually though--right around the time cousin Christin invited all 3 kids to treats from the ice cream truck.  How well she knows them--and she just met them yesterday.
It was great to see everyone and get reacquainted with all of our "cousins".  Loved seeing Jean & Christin (all the way from Montana) and meeting Jean's beau Jim.  Eleanor, who's lost over 100 lbs (!!) since I saw her last looks and feels great.  I gained 2 new Facebook friends (hi Louise and Theresa!).  I found out that cousin Jackie is a fine artist with a degree from the Museum of Fine Arts school (and he lives in the next town, that part I knew).    My favorite part of the day (in addition to all the laughing and hugging of course) was chatting with my Great Aunt Mary.  I quasi interviewed her and captured her on video (3 minutes and 33 seconds worth).  It's hard to believe that Aunt Mary is 92 years old.  She looks about 20 years younger!  Isn't she adorable?  She told me the secret to a long life which I will now share with you: no drinking, no carousing and be with just one man.
So there you have it, Ballou family wisdom from the Ballou family picnic.

Comments

[ginny]

Who wants to live that long with no FUN???