Josh and I are really lucky. I moved away from home right after high school. I came to Arizona from California with all intentions of returning. I played my 4 years of ball, graduated, returned to school for graduate work, and met Josh.
Josh came here for school from Oregon after his mission, and I'm not really sure if he planned on returning or not. I guess he probably did at some point, but it was his first Sunday here in Arizona that we met. There is some "history" in between, but we were married. Our life was here in AZ. We were both done with school, had good jobs, bought our first house, and had our first child on the way.
I had now been without my family for nearly 10 years. I lived for the times that my parents came to watch me play, or just to visit because the weather was so beautiful. Those were priceless one-on -one times that were dear to my heart. But nothing pleased me more than to have them visit one weekend and to drive around looking at homes with them. It was a dream come true, when they bought a home in Seville just 7 miles south of where our home was.
Josh's family had also moved here. His sister was already here (they moved out here together), but his parents and 3 other brothers arrived here just before Kylee was born.
So now all these years later, WE ARE LUCKY!!!! Out of our immediate family, Josh is missing one brother here, and I am missing one sister and her family here. That is 2 sets of grandparents, 5 aunts, 5 uncles and 7 cousins that are all here close by to see whenever we want.
My kids are super dooper lucky....and I know it. I have been on the other end, with no one here. Not as much fun. But all that being said.... Last week was Family Week.
Josh's brother Casey was in town from South Dakota with a friend, and my sister Jamie was here with Joe and the kids. Yes, the girls, and the new addition Henry that no one had met.
It was a great week. We took the girls out of school and headed to Payson for a few days. Every one's schedules were different because of work and school ending, but my parents, Jamie's family and us were able to head up first thing Wednesday morning, and everyone else joined us on Thursday. We had a great time despite the rain we received, but the most important part was we now have an updated family picture. That won't be outdated for at least 9 months. (No one that I know of is pregnant.)
There were a lot to choose from, but here are a few of my favorites.
All 13 Grandchildren
All 25 of us.
Our week was great. It was wonderful to spend time all together, and to watch the kids all play together. We are truly blessed and we know it.
4 comments:
I can't believe that your parents now have 13 grandkids. I still remember when Taylor and Cole were born! What a great family picture of all of you guys!
I forgot that Josh's brother was in town too. It certainly was a busy family week for you guys. Lots of fun!
We loved spending the week with you guys! It was great being all together! But for the first time, I felt like I got quality one on one time with each of my sisters at some point during the trip. I'm sure glad you guys were able to take a few days off and am very grateful you did! Thank you!
You really are lucky to be close to family. It totally took it for granted when we lived by them and now I would give anything to have them close. Beautiful pictures!
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