This weekend we went over to Matthew's sister Michelle's house for a birthday party for their little sister Crystal. We had the whole family together for the first time in much too long, and it was so nice spending time together. I feel really blessed to have Matthew's family in my life, because I don't feel like I have any of my blood family left. Its been almost 2 years since I have spoken to my parents, and other than a brief and very strange conversation with my brother a few weeks ago, its been nearly a year since we have spoken. My family has been broken for so long that I honestly cant imagine what it would be like for all of us to come together and be happy to be around each other.
One of the things that really impressed me about Matthew when we first met was the strong relationship he had with his siblings and mom - and the love that they had for him. This is a family that has been through more than the average person can begin to imagine...but they have come out on top of it all, together and stronger than ever.
That's something that I really admire about Matthew and his sisters and brother. We all have different interests and goals, and are at different places in our lives. But none of that matters because we are a family, and when one of us is hurting, or needs help, everyone rallies around to give their support and love. I think that's one of the coolest things ever, and defines to me what a family is supposed to be. I am really blessed that they welcomed me into their family with open arms. I couldn't have asked for a better family to be part of!
Now that all the mushy stuff has been said here are some pictures of our day!
Killian with his cousins Riley and Takoda playing video games on the couch:
Rowan playing with Daisy, Michelle and Jason's new puppy:
The kids spent a lot of time on Michelle's trampoline together. The bigger boys make me cringe with their high jumps and flips (especially my nephew Riley - he is fearless!) but they all have a really good time bouncing around together. And nobody has broken anything yet, so that's something! :)
Every time Rowan would get on the trampoline, Riley would help her keep her balance by holding her hands and jumping with her. And I love Killian's face in this picture, looks like he was doing the funky chicken dance!
We also got some pictures of all of us together which we haven't done for a really long time! This is all of us, with the exception of Michelle's oldest son Orion, who is taking the picture:
Orion and I switched places for this one:
Siblings! Matthews little sister Crystal, Matthew, his older sister Michelle, and younger brother Dustin:
You cant keep these cousins serious for long!
As we were going inside, my nephew Takoda asked for one more picture of the cousins together:
What a good looking bunch of kids! It was a fun afternoon for everyone, the kids had a great time playing, and the adults had lots of laughs and story telling going on while we caught up on every ones lives. I am so lucky to have the wonderful family that I do!
One of the things that really impressed me about Matthew when we first met was the strong relationship he had with his siblings and mom - and the love that they had for him. This is a family that has been through more than the average person can begin to imagine...but they have come out on top of it all, together and stronger than ever.
That's something that I really admire about Matthew and his sisters and brother. We all have different interests and goals, and are at different places in our lives. But none of that matters because we are a family, and when one of us is hurting, or needs help, everyone rallies around to give their support and love. I think that's one of the coolest things ever, and defines to me what a family is supposed to be. I am really blessed that they welcomed me into their family with open arms. I couldn't have asked for a better family to be part of!
Now that all the mushy stuff has been said here are some pictures of our day!
Killian with his cousins Riley and Takoda playing video games on the couch:
Rowan playing with Daisy, Michelle and Jason's new puppy:
The kids spent a lot of time on Michelle's trampoline together. The bigger boys make me cringe with their high jumps and flips (especially my nephew Riley - he is fearless!) but they all have a really good time bouncing around together. And nobody has broken anything yet, so that's something! :)
Every time Rowan would get on the trampoline, Riley would help her keep her balance by holding her hands and jumping with her. And I love Killian's face in this picture, looks like he was doing the funky chicken dance!
We also got some pictures of all of us together which we haven't done for a really long time! This is all of us, with the exception of Michelle's oldest son Orion, who is taking the picture:
Orion and I switched places for this one:
Siblings! Matthews little sister Crystal, Matthew, his older sister Michelle, and younger brother Dustin:
You cant keep these cousins serious for long!
As we were going inside, my nephew Takoda asked for one more picture of the cousins together:
What a good looking bunch of kids! It was a fun afternoon for everyone, the kids had a great time playing, and the adults had lots of laughs and story telling going on while we caught up on every ones lives. I am so lucky to have the wonderful family that I do!