Today my family went to a family reunion with my husband’s family. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins, some they knew from the last one last August, and some who were new to them. And, being the youngest of this particular generation of cousins, they reaped a bounty – they got cool cast-off toys that the older ones had outgrown.

It was a time to reminisce about family members no longer with us, and the hope that the new generation brings. It had been a really long time since some of the family had seen each other, and commitments were made to better keep in touch.

After coming home from the reunion, the kids played for awhile in the backyard. It was really nice to hear them play with each other. They are so devoted and attached to each other! The kids wanted their older brother to “win” at whatever game they were playing, and their older brother was making sure that everyone had a “turn” to win the game. There was so much laughter, and so much cooperative play, and it was a true joy to behold.

My sister-in-law was hospitalized last night with a suspected mild stroke. At our nightly devotional, the kids prayed for their aunt. They talked a lot about her, and it felt good knowing how much they love their new family, and, again, how securely attached they are to various members!

In birth family news, the kids’ birth aunt (their birth mother’s younger sister) got married over the weekend, and the kids now have a new uncle! We’ve been working feverishly on a gift, and since it is a group effort, we think they will love and cherish it for years to come!

We also had some church family love this weekend as well! We are very close to several families in the congregation, but one in particular has become more and more special to us. One of them had a birthday, and we invited the family out to dinner. We found out later that he shelved other plans he had, because our family is so special to their family! The kids love this friend so much, and kept clinking their soft drinks and saying “Cheers!” to him. In return, he showered them with so much love and affection. They really love this family, and it made us feel so good to know that once again, they have the incredible love of physical family, birth family, and church family!

Photo credit: Stock Xchng