As six generations of the Joseph Eloi Broussard clan gathered to rejoice in the bountiful blessings we have enjoyed, we reveled in the sheer size of our family.  Over 400 relatives spanning the US from California to Illinois came with one purpose in mind, to share memories and make new ones.  There were massive quantities of easter eggs scattered under the oak trees that Grandfather Broussard planted along the Hillebrandt Bayou 100 years ago.  The live band belted out country favorites, as well as a new song composed to commemorate the lives of Joe and Belle Broussard, where it all began.

Of course there was barbecue and fried chicken, but the best part was the dessert cookie Brady Koch surprised Kaitlyn Smith (great great granddaughter) with.  As she opened the cookie to cut a piece, she read the proposal engraved there. Brady dropped to one knee and asked for her hand.  She said yes!  Grandfather Broussard smiled from above.

My favorite part was my own little clan sharing LaBelle stories, easter egg hunting stories, and taking a photo safari through LaBelle Ranch after the picnic broke up.  Both of my daughters-in-law were introduced to the wilds of LaBelle for the first time. So many photo opps of alligators, cows, and marsh birds were taken.  We now have our very own bumper crop of gator babies at the picnic grounds pond, with a very protective mother floating nearby to keep us humans from getting too close.

They are so cute when they’re little!!  Not so much when they are floating next to you in the marsh:)  We thought of joining Craig Sherlock in his fancy airboat, but my son felt that might have been a little too wild for the 2 and 4 year old grandbabies.  Maybe next year!