I don’t come from a terribly big family. I am one of two, my mom is one of two, my dad is one of two. I loved only having one sister, as it made us all closer as a family. Plus, I had a handful of amazing cousins who would come around on special occasions to fill any voids. But on the holidays they spent with their other side of the family, it felt a little lonely, a little un-holiday-like, as if it were only truly Christmas if you had a herd to rival the McCallister clan in Home Alone present.
So I’ll admit the thought of initially meeting SVV’s family was daunting. He is one of four, his mother Joan one of three, his father Ken one of five. All of his siblings have spouses and/or kids. The majority of his family lives in Northern California. Thus, holidays are never dull. Or quiet for that matter. They’re the family I always wanted.
Luckily, I was introduced to them gradually, first meeting his parents in Denmark three years ago, then his sister Lisa and her hubby Chris in Hawaii less than a year later, then eventually the rest of them at once on my first trip to visit Scott in San Francisco. It was Cinco de Mayo during the height of my IBS problems, so while everyone else was taking tequila shots during a rousing game of poker, I was in the corner clutching my stomach in agony. Way to make a good first impression, Kristin.
But then I moved out to California. And started seeing them every month. They’ve become just as close and loving as my own family. I can call Joan with any problem I may have, and she’ll do her best to solve it (or at the very least let me vent to my heart’s content). And with my mom (who finally got to meet the entire mob on Sunday), dad and only living grandparent 2,387 miles away, and my sister even further, it’s been wonderful being near them. Particularly during special events like my birthday, when they make me feel even more a part of the family by throwing a party in my honor (shared with Scott’s sister-in-law Vanessa, a fellow Southern belle whose big day is just a week before mine) and showering me with amazingly thoughtful presents.
As if Vanessa and I didn’t feel loved enough, Joan even baked us each a cake.
And don’t even get me started on the munchkins.
Who couldn’t be cuter. Or sweeter. Or smarter.
Jack, age 2.5.
Kiva, recently turned 5.
Even though they use me as a punching bag. More often than not.
I still think I’ll keep ‘em around. What do you think? Do you have a similar feeling of overwhelming love and pride for your own in-laws?
Cute pictures! I too was nervous about meeting Westley’s family at first. Most of my (smaller-sized) extended family is spread out around the country, while Westley’s is mostly concentrated near where his parents live. (It’s not always easy to remember all the names and faces or to associate the stories I’ve heard with the correct people.) I do love his nephews (so adorable!) and it meant so much when they were finally comfortable enough that they came up to hug me at the end of their visits.
Hahaha, I love that last pic!
I think its great every time you call them your in laws even though your not in law yet =) In My husbands family from Mexico they saw “In Love” instead of “in law” Isn’t that great?
My family is tiny too – me, mom, sister, grandparents, and one aunt. My husband’s family is huge. He has 7 sets of aunts and uncles on his dad’s side, 3 on his mom’s plus 30 first cousins, several of whom have munchkins. When we first started dating, he invited me over for their “small” Christmas gathering. I was thinking it’d be like my family’s – a quiet dinner, some polite coversation. It was about 75 people mingling, talking, laughing, yelling. I was totally overwhelmed (it took me a good year to learn all the names) but I immediately fell in love with his family. Any family that closes out their Christmas party by dancing to “You Shook Me All Night Long” is pretty awesome.
i have never heard the name Kiva before! i love it!
Was Kiva being mean to you? Do I need to fly out there and break you guys up? Can’t tell if Jack is participating in the beatdown or trying to save you…
Well you know I do.:) I’m so glad Scott’s family is so awesome. Way to go you!
My husband has only five family members total aside from his parents and brother. I, on the other hand, can not even name all of my father’s siblings. Quality over quantity I say, which is why I don’t socialize with either side, LOL.
I do! My in-laws have welcomed me into their family with open arms from day one. In fact, the very first time I met Jon’s parents, his mom brought me a little trio of Yankee Candle Halloween votives because Jon had told her how much I love Halloween and she knew I was nervous about meeting them. I really lucked out
Jack and Kiva are the cutest!!
My dad is 1 of 11. My mom is 1 of 6. We had BIG family events at least once or twice a month on either side. We even travelled together around Asia, usually filling up half the tour bus.
But since we’ve moved to Canada from the Philippines, being just 1 of 2, it’s been a tad less rowdy. But it’s ok, I have found a new family in my in-laws! I actually like them!
What?!? We have been replaced?!? Do you not care about Coco or McK anymore. How RUDE!
I love it. I love my boy’s fam and vice versa and it makes me so happy.
aww this post was so sweet. It looks like you fit in so nicely in their fam!
I’d say you are ready to have kids of your own.