my parents-in-law - married for 50 years

Last month my parents-in-law celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. That's quite a milestone, and we're thankful that they are still healthy enough to have an active part in the life of our children.
With seven children and 38 grandchildren, it can make for some large family gatherings.

Family is important to me - my wife and my children, but also the extended family - parents, brothers and sisters, in-laws, nephews and nieces...

I enjoy family gatherings, and love to see the kids interacting with their grandparents, and the fun that the kids have with their cousins. I think one of the reasons I appreciate this family time is because I missed out on most of it when I was growing up. My parents emigrated from the Netherlands to Australia soon after getting married, and I was born in Australia, while my grandparents, uncles and aunties and cousins were all back in the Netherlands.

My parents took myself and my siblings to the Netherlands several times when we were growing up, and it was great to catch up with family each time. While I have great memories of those trips, it wasn't the same as being able to see those family members on a regular basis.

Two weeks ago, the entire family spent a weekend together in a large holiday home / camp near the beach. We had a very enjoyable weekend - lots of time to chat, eat and have fun, and our children and our nephews and nieces had lots of quality time together too.