We are really making the most of the time while our cousin, Ate Laarni, is here in the province. Since everyone is together, of course a picnic by the river had to happen.
I honestly thought everything was already prepared before we left. I imagined we’d just light the grill, cook the food, and enjoy eating by the river.
Apparently… I was very wrong.
Some of us kept going back and forth to the house because we kept forgetting things. One minute someone needed cooking utensils. The next trip was for another ingredient. Then someone realized we forgot something else again. I honestly didn’t know whether to laugh or just shake my head.
It was such a funny sight.
We are all grown-ups now—most of us are already in our 40s—but for a moment, it felt like we were little kids again.
The whole day reminded me so much of the picnics we used to have with my dad. We’d gather by the river, grill food, cook rice over the fire, and eat together surrounded by nature. Those memories came rushing back as we prepared everything.
It did not feel like decades had passed.
Now, the difference is that many of my cousins have children of their own running around while we prepare the food.
As for me… Well, I am still the single one.
One of the highlights of the day was the fresh tilapia. The fish they caught were cleaned right there by the river—gills and insides removed, washed carefully, and then cooked two ways. Some became a warm fish soup, while the others were grilled over charcoal. We even cooked rice there, just like the old days.
To make it even more special, Dad’s youngest sibling joined us too. Having everyone there made the picnic feel complete.
Looking back, I realized I barely took any photos of my cousins or my nieces and nephews. Normally, I’d be walking around with my phone, documenting everything.
This time, I simply forgot. And honestly, I’m glad I did.
Instead of looking through a screen, I was fully present. I enjoyed the conversations, the laughter, the delicious food, and the peaceful sound of the river. Sometimes the best memories aren’t the ones we capture in photos—they’re the ones we simply live.
I do not join family outings very often, so this was a nice change. It reminded me how important it is to say yes once in a while because these moments don’t happen every day. Some memories are not created by expensive plans.
Sometimes, all it takes is a river, freshly cooked food, people you love, and a day that quietly takes you back to your childhood.
I’m really grateful I got to be part of this one.