Bringing family together...

...even in difficult times, is very precious.

Christian with his cousins, Canaan & Riley (from 2 separate sides of the family); all born within about 2 months of each other.

Although it was an unfortunate circumstance that brought us together a few weeks ago, we were able to see my brother & sister-in-law, Jason & Megan, & our nephew Christian again. It seems like so long since we have seen them....& Christian is walking now! I mean, he has been walking for awhile, but we had not seen him doing it yet.

Riley spent some quality time reading with Uncle Jason

We traveled up to Bakersfield for Megan's Grandmother's funeral. I never know what to say or do for someone when they suffer such a loss. We had never met her, but Megan & her family are very dear to us & we wanted to do anything we could to help. Aaron stayed with Jason & went to the viewing, funeral, & reception with him & Megan. Aaron's Mom, Rebecca, & I as well as a friend of the family, stayed back & watched several babies & kids for the family so that they could focus & honor this wonderful woman without distraction. We were very happy we could find some way to help them out during this time. After the service, everyone re-grouped for the reception at the house of of Megan's sister, Emily.

The reception was joyful, very much a celebration of life; right down to the new life playing all around the house. We had 5-7 babies all within about a 3 month difference there. It was a great reminder to celebrate life & the blessings God gives us. Who needs material things to find happiness?? We can learn a lot from these fresh, new, little beings. Simple things, like a sprinkler, gave them so much joy...& it gave the adults a lot of pictures, smiles & laughter. :-)

The discovery of the sprinkler ...

The discovery of the sprinkler (from behind)... (just too cute)

One by one, they all gathered...as it just kept shooting water & then stopping.

The sprinkler would go off...& they would clap.

(You may see Aaron, the sprinkler culprit, sitting it in the background)

& they just grew more curious...

Some of the most precious moments are captured at the strangest of times.

Our hearts go out to your family Megan, Emily & Susan. We hope that our children playing together may have helped keep the day cheery & the focus on celebrating life.