12.31.11 ~ Athol, Massachusetts
Viktor and Aneta Urich of Grande Prairie [Alberta, Canada] welcomed the birth of their 100th grandchild earlier this month – newborn Henry Urich, ninth child of Tatjana and Heinrich Urich. Heinrich is one of Viktor and Aneta’s 16 children.
How does he keep them all straight?
“Good question,” laughs Viktor, 62. “Sometimes when I look, I say ‘What’s your name?'”
And we thought we were confused!
Yesterday we went to visit Tim’s cousin in Massachusetts, who was hosting a family Christmas gathering. Four generations, ranging in age from 2 to 75 years old. Twenty-seven people in all, including one aunt, four cousins, nine second cousins, two third cousins, and not to be overlooked, six spouses and significant others and five foster children. Or, using another method for sorting the gang out, fifteen adults, three teens and nine little ones. We had but two hours on our way home to sort out the numbers and connections… Not as impressive as the couple in Alberta but…
We did our share of asking, “What’s your name?”
We weren’t there two minutes when little Delyah, 2, inquired “Who are you?” and then put me to work brushing her pony’s hair and fastening barrettes on its tail.
In a little while Nova, 4, sporting sparkly temporary tattoos on her arms, introduced herself and asked me where my tattoos were. (Both her parents have visible tattoos.) I regretted having to disappoint her.
As the afternoon went on, a little one of uncertain age kept saying,”Thanks, Santa,” when Tim would toss one of the balloons her way. Do you think it had something to do with his whitish beard and all the red he was wearing?
It was wonderful seeing everybody again, and meeting new additions to the clan. A clan that adores its children!
Tim & I got ourselves a new camera for Christmas and it was our first chance to use it. So far we’re very pleased with the results and we have so much more to learn about using it!
Hi,
OMG 100th grandchild, it must cost a fortune all year round, it would always be someones birthday, and at Xmas it is a scary thought. 🙂
Lovely photos, and I would have to say it is definitely Santa, no doubt in my mind at all. 🙂
Can you imagine, Mags?! That would average out to 8+ birthdays a month!
How lucky am I to be married to Santa? 🙂
It was a very warm cozy feeling to have all those relations under one roof for the afternoon. Can hardly wait for the next event.
Me too. It is so much fun listening to the laughter and so many hugs.
It was! *hugs*
Me, too! *hugs* ♥
Ohhhhhhhh, this was a delicious post to not only read, but to see – the colors just pop!
Thank you, Laurie! It looks like your email subscription is working again, I hope. 🙂 Nate did some updates and something with the subscription notifications, but now my blue background is missing!
I had to go back and re-read the 100th grandchild bit … 100 !!!
I did a double take, too, when I first heard the story on the evening news. The numbers are so hard to grasp!
I like the pet rock too. *waves at Santa* Happy New Year everybody!
Happy New Year, RumpyDog!
lol! Love the photo of Santa. Looks like you had a wonderful time. 🙂
Congrats on the new camera. Can’t wait to see what you do with it as you learn to use it. The photos are wonderful (I am of the opinion that has more to do with the photographer than the camera).
100 grandchildren. Imagine that…
Thanks, Robin! I guess it’s been a whole year since we’ve been around more than a couple of little ones at one time. 🙂 Don’t know how that couple manage to love 100 grandchildren, but they seem to have a good sense of humor about it!
Getting acquainted with this camera reminds me of when Tim dragged me on to the computer and online all those years ago. I’m excited and overwhelmed at the same time!
What a fun post Barbara. How many of the relatives can you name? starting now…!!!
Oh my word your husband does look like Santa
I also love the pet rock.
LOL! Rosie, I think I have all the relatives names down, at least until next year. 🙂 Tim’s always been a Pied Piper around kids, but this Santa Claus bit will take some getting used to… The pet rock was amazing and Hannah’s dad was very happy to show it off!
100 grandchildren – are they trying to repopulate the planet or something? Wow!
Love to see your family pics, Barbara… and ‘Santa’! 😉
I need to email you…
It’s mind boggling, isn’t it, Val? I’m happy you enjoyed the pictures – I’m trying to catch up with emails and blog comments today…
Your family photos are so heartwarming! Your hubby Tim looks so relaxed in that photo. Great shot! And the Santa thing is just too funny Barbara. Ha! Ha! Thanks for sharing the memories with us. Oh yes, the “pet rock” rocks!
Thank you, Donna! We were all having a delightful time. The pet rock was something else, wasn’t it? I didn’t get a chance to ask, but I think Hannah may have decorated the Christmas tree, too. 🙂