Cornell/Germain Reunion

And now for the big moment of what started this trip up the East coast: the Cornell/Germain family reunion. When Mike & I started talking about taking a long road trip, I mentioned how our kids have yet to see my side of the family: my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Plus, the East coast is waaaay different from Texas (other than weather and food). The history in this area runs very deep as you will see in future posts.

So my dad, Ron Cornell, is known as Pepe to my kids. He is the oldest of four boys: Ronald, Robert (Bob), Richard, and Roger. Yes, all the names start with the letter R. And ya’ll thought my husband was nuts to have our kids’ names rhyme.

Uncle Bob has two kids: Ray and Stacey. His wife, Barbara, was unable to attend.

Uncle Richard (who has passed) has three kids: Kim, Heather, and Karen. His wife Aunt Lorraine attended.

Uncle Roger (who has passed) has three kids: Josh, Sarah, and Matt.

My dad, Ron, has three kids: Joanne, Joey, and me, Jenny. Yes, it was my mom’s idea to name all of us kids starting with the letter J. Sadly, mom, Jan, passed away.

Dad also invited some of his cousins from the Germain side of the family.

Aunt Rita (married to Albert Germain) who has 5 kids, Jeanne, Lulu, Hervey, Gerry, and Andre (who was unable to attend).

Uncle Tony & Aunt Bertha’s (who have passed) child Joanne attended with her family.

Uncle Tony and Aunt Bertha’s other children are Jimmy who has passed and Ed who was unable to attend.

We know there are more Cornell/Germains out there, however, over time as relatives pass away so does our contacts. If it wasn’t for Grandma sending us a letter at least once a week, I don’t think I’d know anything about my cousins or that side of the family. I may not know my family by face but I do know them by name. Also I know my mom wrote back each week with news of our family in Arkansas. Today, it felt really good reconnecting with my family. I had fun meeting everyone while taking pictures. I took as many as I could think, however, I missed taking one of my own family & siblings (sorry Joanne & Joey).

Here is a picture of my dad with his younger brother Bob. (Yes, I have an uncle Bob. Doesn’t everyone?)

Here is a picture of Uncle Richards family (L to R): Daimon (Karen’s son), Aunt Lorraine, Heather, Olivia (Heather’s daughter), Tayla (Karen’s daughter), Jimmy, and Karen. Not pictured is Kim with her family & Heather’s husband Mike.

Here is a picture of Uncle Roger’s family: Matt, Brendon (Sarah’s husband), Conner, Sarah, Collin, and Rebekah (Matt’s girlfriend). Not pictured is Josh (sorry! I thought I got one with you and your siblings).

Here is a picture of Uncle Bob’s family: 3 kids are Ray’s children, Ray & wife, Stacey & 2 kids, and Uncle Bob. Unfortunately Aunt Barbara was unable to attend.

Here is a picture of Aunt Rita’s family (L-R): Jeanne’s daughter (pink shirt) & fiance (black shirt), Harvey, Lulu, Jeanne’s husband, Jeanne, Aunt Rita (center), Jerry (orange shirt) & his partner.

Here is a picture of Cousin Joanne’s family: Grandkid, daughter, Cousin Joanne’s husband, Cousin Joanne, Joanne’s other daughter with significant other & daughter & boyfriend.

Now don’t mix up my sister Joanne with dad’s cousin Joanne. That confused me as a kid…took me a bit to figure it out. But not to add to the confusion but both Joannes married a Charles. Hence, I had to take a photo of the group.

Now for the group photo. Everyone! I’m to the left of my dad. Behind me is my cousin Josh. My son Will decided to be funny and hide behind Jimmy & Charles. Oh, well. I took more pictures. My plan is to have them printed up and sent to the different families. I apologize for misspelling of names or lack there of. Basically, I’m sorry if I made any mistakes. Let me know and I’ll correct it. I didn’t mean to leave anyone out. Just super happy that 48 people came out for the reunion.

Thank you!

Let’s see if I can insert a grid of all the pictures that I took that day: