Family First

Welcome to the new blog of iLivediLoved, or “Lilo” as it is affectionately known. Here we will come together to share our thoughts and reminiscences of the moments in our lives that have touched and tickled us most. And what better way to invite you into the Lilo family than with our first blog post celebrating July which is national Family Reunion Month.

Family reunions in today's world have become something along the lines of well-planned flashmobs for people who share the same surname and facial features. Typically rowdy affairs, these get-togethers span multiple generations, with infants rubbing chubby elbows with matriarchs, and tweens fraternizing with fourth cousins several times removed. It is also fairly common for reunions to center around a single common ancestor, with all of that individual's offspring gathering in solidarity over their shared lineage. Hey, did we just catch you thinking back on your last family reunion? Hope so.

Family Fun

Traditional family reunion activities may include an afternoon or early evening meal accompanied by a program featuring music, song, 'skits' and recognition of elders as well rites of passage, community contributions and educational or career achievements. But by far and away the most common and popular form of celebration is the jubilant family picnic! Here, macaroni and potato salad abound. The air is rich with the aroma of grilled burgers, hot dogs (and of course the token veggie/tofu thingy). And it’s a sure bet that some mischievous child will be scolded for snitching a brownie or cookie before it's time. 

Preserving Memories

With all of the family held captive together in one sunny spot, there is no better opportunity to capture memories and moments pictorially. Nearly every dad has his videocam strapped to his bermudas as a teenage daughter slyly snaps a picture of her 'super hot' cousin to send to her bff.... "but it's okay because he's not related by blood." And of course there is the family extrovert who runs about with reluctant junior cameraman in tow, interviewing those in attendance for posterity, asking the hard-hitting questions such as "What was the world like when you were my age?" .... "How do you like being part of our family so far"....."Did you like Aunt Suzy's or Grandma Ethel's apple pie better?"... Don't laugh -- this family member may very well be anchoring the evening news one day.

Once the day is done, after the ice chest has been stuffed back into the recesses of the garage, when the children's laughter begins to fade, you can revisit and relive these memories any time you wish. Simply collect everyone's photos and videos from the day and send it our way. We will compile your cherished family memories to create a beautiful custom video memoir featuring you and that colorful cast of characters you call family. You make the memories.... we'll preserver them for you, forever.

 

Regardless of race, nationality or era, family reunions are collectively characterized by a proliferation of joy, surprise, squealing, a few tears, lots of laughter and wellsprings of love. They are moments we keep in our hearts and memories we share with our loved ones and future generations of family.

Warmly,
Lilo

Join us in reminiscing:
What is your fondest family reunion memory?