Family Connections

One part of traveling with a baby is everyone comes to talk to him. We stayed in a retirement community and Greg ended up just walking Jake around table to table to let the residents visit with him. At the Legion contest the people were again attracted to him. A man came to hold him and told me how he was the baby holder at church. The women likewise oohed and awed over him. But when they heard he was my 15th child they turned a lot colder to us. I really enjoyed this graphic showing the way love works in families. It is not linear or dividing into sections but rather a 3 dimensional force because the children also love each other and have connections. Not full responsibility but measured as needed. We were very thankful Harold and Lexi came this weekend to be around at night with the kids. Lexi and Millie stayed at Grandma Saunders while Harold stayed at our house with the kids. 

We came home to a very full Sunday. Thankfully our singing number was replaced by service missionaries violin number. I was relieved with that substitution. Afton gave her talk, Addie and Reed taught their lessons, and Millie completed her piano recital after church. We got through everything that had to be done. 

Greg is a lucky many to have so many lovely ladies that enjoy being with him. 

We saw some old friends at the recital and while we are not as highly skilled as their family we are attempting to raise a greater number of people. Never a competition but definitely a challenge we work to maintain quality and ability throughout. 

Sweet big Jake in the mirror. He is starting to recognize himself in the mirror. He also is starting to grab things. He found the edge of an ice cream container as Greg ate some while holding Jake. Jake thought that was ok stuff. He did very well in the car sleeping a solid 3/4 of the drive both ways. I think he may have enjoyed the uninterrupted rest. 

Andrea at the shop with Lexi and Harold. She really loves to go places. And all the kids love Lexi and Harold.

So no we don't raise this family alone nor do we feel like we are lacking in love and attention for the mass of people that are our family. We are grateful for all the connections and love that we watch and experience. Life is good and we are blessed.