How many relatives can you fit in one weekend?

The holiday weekend was a lot of fun, even if a bit overwhelming at times. Before I relate the goings on, I just want to remind you dear reader that we were visiting my family only. Also keep in mind that my family tree is .... complicated.
On Thursday, we had dinner at my cousin's condo complex. They rented out the party room, decorated it, and put football on the Big Screen Projector (not High def though). There were about 17 of my relatives there and we split into guys and gals tables. This actually worked pretty well because the guys tended to watch the game and talk sports while the gals chit chatted about something I had no interest on which to eavesdrop. Lauren had a great time playing with cousins Joey, Ivan, and Faith. It did take Faith some time to warm up, but once she did, she was very outgoing. Apparently, some pirates had infiltrated our holiday dinner and she enlisted the help of Lauren in trying to drive them out. I did learn that my 11 year old cousin Ivan is quite gifted at comic book history. We managed to get on this line of chatting when Spiderman 2 came on after football (unfortunately, that also meant all my female teenage cousins going all googly-eyed over Tobey Maguire). Ivan is a bit hyper, but ask him anything about the Marvel or DC Comic book world and he seemed to have it down.
On Friday, it was off to my dad's house (just remember, complicated family tree). There, we had dinner with 21 completely different relatives. That's right folks, we managed to fit in dinner with 38 relatives over 2 days even though we were only visiting my family. To say Debbie was bit overwhelmed would be like saying the Grand Canyon is a bit of hole. My dad's wife, Fina, is an amazing cook and she always has enough to feed an army. I believe the stats for the dinner were 2 turkeys (1 deep fried), a ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, some cholesterol raising side dish whose name escapes me right now, and a ton of other sides. I actually don't get to see dad's 5 sisters very often so I was lucky to have someone there who could discretely clue me in to who was who again. Thanks Drew! It was nice to reconnect with them, I just wish my sister Kayhla could make it. Alas, she was sick and unable to attend, so me missed seeing her this trip.
Saturday was laid back (finally) and we just hung around mom's house. We did venture to a Festival of Trees at the local armory which was nice. They had all these Christmas trees decorated with some theme. Most were beautiful, some ... well ... they can't all be winners. I will say the chocolate chip cookies I bought were quite good.
On Sunday, believe it or not, we managed to have lunch with 2 more relatives we had yet to see (my mom's youngest nephew and his wife). Well, since having a family get together of 6 seems wrong, some more cousins showed up who wanted to see us again before we left. So, we had an intimate family gathering of 11.
I was hoping to see my niece again, but my brother's family got hit with illness. Cindy had a double ear infection, Alexis (my niece) contracted the flu, and Scott got hit with an illness we call "Being Scottitis" :) He was kind enough to give us a call and we talked for a while. I was just hoping to see Alexis again before she turns 1 year old. With our next trip to Baltimore coming in August, I don't think that will happen.

Safe Travels

We are now back home safe and sound. I will write more on the actual events of the holiday later, but I wanted to pass on a little event that happened today.
We were waiting for the elevator at OHare to take us to the lower level with another gentleman. Both elevators show up, one full and one empty. The empty one's doors begin to close. I quickly hit the down button again forcing the doors open. The gentleman looks at me, smiles, and saves "Kick save ... and a beauty!" My first thought was he had a pretty good voice and could probably do some announcing. Once in the elevator, he turns and says "Everybody in?" It's at this point I realize something. I know that voice. I looked up and recognized his face. I was sharing an elevator with BRENT FREAKING MUSBERGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I pulled myself together for a second and asked "Are you ... um ... Brent Musberger?" He politely responded yes and we shook hands. In order to not become a blubbering idiot, I did not say much more and the ride was for 1 floor. *sigh* I was this (---> <----) close to become a screaming little girl, but I held it together. I couldn't help but smile for the rest of the drive home. *another happy sigh*. Stay tuned for scenes from our fascinating trip to Baltimore very very soon.