Nan's fridge

It's Monday. I'm in Alabama, feelin' mellow (and hot) and I'm still in a nostalgic way... Walking around Nanny and Big Dad's house is like going back in time. Every room, wall and corner of this home sparks a memory and I'm taken back to hazy Alabama summers, Christmas nights full of anticipation, and Sunday night dinners with the whole family. I've been walking around looking at the walls and shelves lined with awkward high school photos, old snapshots in tarnishing frames and wedding pictures, and I can't help but feel as if I'm still a little girl running in the sprinklers and catching fire flies. New York's tall buildings, crowded sidewalks, and general craziness couldn't be further, and for the moment it's a relief to be away. My favorite spot in the house is Nanny's refrigerator door (pictured). Crammed with photos, both old and new, it is the epitome of what I find around every corner at Nan and Big's--reminders of who I am and where I came from. Some people move to New York and want to escape their past but to me, it's what makes me, well, me! A goofy, fun loving small-town-turned-city girl is always with me, no matter where I go or what I do, and for that, I thank my Nanny and Big Dad! xo... Ki

Family ties...

I'm feeling a tad nostalgic today because I am leaving in a little bit for Alabama to visit my grandparents, Nanny and Big Dad. They are two of the most important people in my life. They have supported, loved and nurtured me in ways I can't even begin to describe. They have always put family first, have tried their hardest to raise smart, responsible and honest children and grandchildren. (And let me tell you: that is no small feat...we're kind of a dense bunch. ha!)

In our family everyone has a nickname. Big Dad is the master nicknamer and he determines everyone's name. I don't think I've ever been called by my real name...well, except for when I was in trouble (However, at Nanny and Big Dad's, you could burn the house down and not get into trouble, so that really doesn't apply here). Shortly after you're born Big determines your new name. We don't know where they come from...is there a system? (doubtful) does he consult others? (definitely not) Is it just random? (for sure) But for some reason, nobody objects and we all wear our names proudly...well, proudly might be stretching it.

Nan and Big have seven grandchildren living in five states, and we all have a name. (Actually, our moms and Nanny have nicknames too, but I'm not going to push it. I know what my limits are!) We span a 24 year age difference. Adam, a.k.a. Rice and my partner in crime through the ages, is the oldest of the group and the only grandchild that lives near Nan and Big. (It's a blessing to have him there as they get older). Ally, a.k.a. Rosie or Rose B, is the youngest and is down in South GA revving up for first grade (Reluctantly. School's really not her idea of a good time).

We are so spread out these days, that it is nearly impossible to find a picture of the whole crew. I found one from seven years ago. I wouldn't say that it highlights our best features, but it's definitely not the worst one. (The really bad ones look like they have been digitally altered. Woof.) Please don't kill me guys...

From left to right: Onion, Muffin, Abbs, Rice, Rudi (short for Rutabaga), 5 month old Rose B and Tootse on the end.

Nan and Big with Tootse (and a strange haircut)

And on an ending note...I just wanted to give a quick shout out to Onion, my younger sister, who is having Nan and Big's first great-grandchild! We are all very excited to meet her little boy who is due in November. I look at the picture of us below and I can't believe that we're all grown up and a new generation is about to begin. I'm just so excited to be an aunt! (favorite aunt, actually!)

tootse and onion circa '84

Congratulations, baby sister! I wonder what his nickname will be. So many things to look forward to...

xo...

ki