It's Family Affair

We have been absent because we are on the road again (the trip is deserving a post by itself!). We are in Findlay. Ohio attending the annual Yingling Family reunion in Carey, Ohio. Doug is originally from Findlay - spending his first 13 tears here, and there is still a large Yingling clan here. Even most of the St. Louis Yingling's made the trip up!
Matt with Ashlee and cousin Chelsie - can you say "trouble in River City"!!!

There were a lot of Yingling's.....we only knew about 1/3 of them!

...and a lot of food...seven tables with almost no leftovers!

Doug's cousin Angie is in the middle of this picture - she & her husband recently added 7 to the Yingling when they adopted a group of 7 siblings - to add the three they already have - wow! We are in awe!

Cousin Jason, Matt and Doug's cousin favorite cousin Julie - next to his other favorite cousin Jennie!

Umpire, chief field & line judge and over-all ruler of the reunion!

Uncle John coaching the adult team (how hard should it be for a bunch of adults to beat the kids-easy job...not - they lost!)

The infield team of Matt & Doug Yingling (not sure whose idea that was!)

My husband doing his best Babe Ruth impersonation!

...and it's a line drive single up the left side!

Like father, like son...

Uncle Tony got a piece of this one!

The cheering section - Becky's in the stroller and was much more interested in if she could get Aunt Leah to share her pop (that's what soda is called out here in the mid west for all our west coast friends!)

It was an amazing day - 128 (at least) of the Yingling clan gathered to be together. In an age when the meaning of family has become so distorted and de-valued, when people are"too busy" or "to something" to be bothered with their family, it was heart warming to see the generations together. Often times, people tend to disparage their families, preferring to be with the friends they have chosen, but God has placed each & every person in their family by His design. Today - I think His heart must have been joyful to see so many laughing and playing and loving together. I also praise Him for placing Becky in this family, so many times today I teared up thinking about how just a little over a year ago, she had no one and today she has been blessed with so many to love her.
I can't end without talking about Uncle Dennie for a moment. It is through his effort, time and planning that each year this reunion happens. This wonderful, kind and generous man pulls this event together and gives all of us the opportunity each year to stop and be together. Dennie - we love you and appreciate how you work so hard to keep this crazy clan connected - you are the very best!