24 - Family

"You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." ~Desmond Tutu is a South African activist and retire Anglican bishop who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, (and subsequently has won many other humanitarian awards).

Family is a favorite theme for a lot of photographers.  They are the people that are usually in front of the camera.  Enjoy!

These sisters can take anyone down.  Photograph by Dolly Blaydes

Sisterly love.  Photograph by Dolly Blaydes

 Thanksgiving reunion 2011. Papa and his grandchildren. Photograph by Dolly Blaydes

Zamadics family cousins hanging out in the park 2011. Photograph by Dolly Blaydes

 Photograph courtesy of Mary Kay Clemens Mathis

 Photograph courtesy of Mary Kay Clemens Mathis

Photograph courtesy of Mary Kay Clemens Mathis

Every year Dan's family gets together for Halloween.  This is the second year I attended - 2010.  Can you see Dan and I kissing in the back?  Photograph courtesy of Robin Anderson.

2010 was the year that Morella made both of these costumes.  Photograph by Robin Anderson.

I think it rained in 2011, so I don't have a group photo in front of the house...  (or maybe this was the year we were late).  Dan and I dressed in a "couples costume".  We are a smiley face, can you tell?  Photograph courtesy of Robin Anderson.

The yearly group picture.  We have one taken every time Uncle Gary comes in town from Florida.  It is fun to see how everyone has grown.  Photography by Ellen Palmer.

Kids with the cousins from London. It is always a great time when they come to visit. Kayleigh, in the pink shirt also shares a birthday with Katie. Someday, I will visit them. It's on my bucket list.  Photograph by Ellen Palmer.

Kids and nieces. Nicolle, on the far left, and Katie share the same birthday. Kara and Mitchell are both October babies. My sister and I would have matching Mother's day rings if I had one. Photograph by Ellen Palmer.

"First Wave" of cousins migrate from the Philippines in 1978. What a joy to have all of them come join us in the USA.  Photograph courtesy of Grace Dorado-Foster.

"Second Wave"- panoramic cameras came out and was the only way we can take a photo of most of the family.  Several of us married with children, too.   There is a few people missing here.  Photograph courtesy of Grace Dorado-Foster.

Christmas 2011-  Last big family photo with still about 30 people missing here.  I know there is an ap to do a panoramic...one of the cousins will have to do that this coming Christmas.  Photograph courtesy of Grace Dorado-Foster.

Mother and child. Kathy and Kristin "Kiki" Quindoza. Such a cherished relationship. A bond that is eternal. I know because Kristin passed away from cancer at the age of nine. Always cherish every moment.  Photograph by Kathy Quindoza.

Kiki Quindoza and her cousins :)) Kiki's birthday.  Photograph by Kathy Quindoza.