VIDALIA

&8212; They say that the love of family is life&8217;s greatest blessing, and that is certainly true for cousins Antrinette Washington and Shonna Riley.

Each afternoon, around 4, Washington, Riley and four of their other cousins gather on the front porch of Washington&8217;s aunt&8217;s house on Davis Street in Vidalia to play card games.

&8220;We play tonk every night. We all learned how to play from each other,&8221; said Riley.

They stay out on the porch until they get tired of the game.

The women say they started playing tonk this summer, and have been playing it ever since. In tonk, five cards are dealt and each player tries to make the most pairs. Everyone takes turns shuffling and dealing.

&8220;We don&8217;t get tired of it. It&8217;s something fun, and keeps us from getting in trouble,&8221; said Washington.

When the family gets a hankering for something new, they switch things up to play blackjack.

The cousins agree that the best part of their time together is enjoying one another&8217;s company.

&8220;Some nights we do nothing at all, just talk and listen to the radio. It makes us closer. We have a big family, and it gives us time to be together,&8221; said Riley.

Friendly competition is an added bonus of their nights.

&8220;I&8217;m the best player,&8221; said Washington.

&8220;Everybody thinks they&8217;re the best player,&8221; said Riley, with a smile.