My kids, especially Mary and Jack, were absolutely thrilled to have Claire, Jane, and Oliver here for a few days. They played together Sunday evening when we were all at my parents' house for dinner, and Jane and Ollie spent the day at our house on Monday, playing with Jack. But, of course, the best part was being with their dad.
Mary hanging out with Claire and Jane as they got ready for the concert
Mary hanging out with Claire and Jane as they got ready for the concertFor Family Home Evening on Monday night we celebrated Claire's birthday (which is today) a bit early when we brought her a gift. We had to finally drag the kids away from each other... it was a school night after all.
They left to go back to Utah last night, so we stopped by to see them in the evening. Oliver begged to go to our house again, and both he and Jack were disappointed when I told them no. They are such good buddies. But at the last minute it was decided that since Oliver isn't in school he could stay for a while longer. Hooray!
I can't tell you how delighted Jack was to hear the news. (Of course, no one is more excited than Christian.) They are together again, this moment, playing and laughing. Oliver cracks up at everything Jack says, laughing his contagious, high-pitched giggly laugh that I have missed so much. I could get used to this.
Jack and Ollie, reunited
There is nothing better than the bond between cousins. I think the fact that my kids have such a great relationship with their cousins is what makes it tolerable for me to live in Utah. ;)
ReplyDeleteAs for balance...it looks to me like you are doing a fine job.
I am so glad they got to spend fun time together! They are so lucky to have such wonderful family!
ReplyDeleteDon't know why I 'stopped by' again today, but I am so glad that I did... what wonderful pictures and what a heartwarming update.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
What lovely thoughts shall now fill my head this evening! Thank you!
ReplyDeletecontinued prayers...
All the pictures are wonderful, but the last one stole my heart.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a lovely family and I feel blessed I get to know you through this blog :)Thank you so much for sharing with us !
ReplyDeleteYour pictures tell the whole story, look at those cute little faces and all their excitement! Just darn cute! I bet Ollie's sweetness and energy is very refreshing for all of you! The girls did a great job and cousins really are just one step away from a sister! ;)
ReplyDeleteHow adorable those two are...I could just squeeze them! I'm a total stranger, but just want to comment on how good it is to see a family come together during a tragedy like this. My family was torn apart by one. It took years for wounds to heal, and there are still scars. I missed out on some fun growing up years with my cousins because the adults were not speaking to each other. So sad! God bless your sweet family and may you always be as strong and close as you are now.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures Alice! I am so glad that you have your priorities straight. (addressing the last post)
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful sister, wife and mother. Keep it up!
What great buddies. How do you keep your extended family so close? How is it that you come from a family of 11 kids and you all seem to still genuinely like each other, including your parents? I'm just wondering because my family is NOT close. NOT AT ALL. Maybe it's because our Mom died in 1993 when we were all kind of young. Who knows. I just wish I had a family like yours. I will have to keep working on my family I guess. You are blessed and you deserve it.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures and I'm happy for your kids who got to be with their cousins. I know how that feels. And it's wonderful that Oliver is staying on for a while!
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying your blog and Lizzy's too. Keep up the good work.
jeannie
Lucky Cousins!! I am a friend of Lisa and Chris Clark and have loved getting to know Christians extended family... you are all beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJane really looks like your daughter! Since the other three look like tiny little Clark clones, it is fun to see the family resemblence on that side...
As for the meanies out there..I am sorry. EVERY SINGLE TIME I post about adoption on my blog I get really mean comments. Someone will always disagree with you and it just stinks that they have to leave their opinion. As my mamma always said "leave your poop at your own house" (that might be a watered down version of an older southern saying...but you get the picture...).
Hang in there. Take care of Christan! I love that Ollie is staying. Lucky Duck!
Alice! Did you do the girls' hair for the concert? It looked awesome in the video!!!
ReplyDelete