More Fun Family Visits!!

OK, so I'm feeling bad that I forgot to add this picture to the last post where I mentioned Ella's play. Here she is (again with the stage make-up) with her other Grandma (my Mom), and the flowers she gave her for opening night. It was so sweet. Ella just loved it and felt so important. I'm so glad my Mom thought of that, because I did nothing...I'm a loser.

So, on to the next weekend of events. My sister Shauna and her husband Brian made a stop on their way down to Rocky Point Mexico, and then stopped back in on their way up. It was so fun to see them and much too short. They have three boys, Zack, Nick and Alex. Lucky for me I get to see them again next weekend.

We got together for dinner with my brother and his family while they were in town and I had to get some photos. I have been wanting to document how incredible my sis and her hubby are.

Here is Brian with three of my four kids. When he is around he pays SO MUCH attention to the kids. They treat them like their own...even better...more like Grandparents treat grand kids. I LOVE that they love my kids and let them know it. When we were up in Utah over Spring break there was one night when Nora was in Brian or Shauna's arms the WHOLE night. She loved every second of it.

Here is Aunt Shauna pushing Nora in the swing. This was HUGE for me. C'mon ladies, you know how it is when you have a child that yearns for the swing, and only the swing. It's like your held prisoner to it the whole time you are there. The best thing about it is that Shauna makes it out to be the best thing she could be doing with her time. Again, having people love your kids like that is priceless.

Like Mother, like son. Here is 16 (almost 17) year old Zack taking his turn with the swing duties. I'm sure he is much too macho to admit this, but he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself too. He is such a great cousin. It can't be easy being the oldest cousin by 5+ years!

The older girls loved teasing Zack and trying to be as tall as he is! He is so cute with them and I love him for it. I feel so bad that I didn't get any pictures of the twins. Shauna has 13 year old twins that are just too fast for my camera lens. I'll have to get some pics when I see them next week.

Long story short:
Aunts and Uncles like this are worth well more than their weight in gold. Both of my sisters married guys who would do ANYTHING for my kids and treat them as if they are their own. When we walk into a room my sister Heather's husband Bruce scoops up each kid, gives them the biggest hugs and kisses, and makes them feel extra special. What that means to a Mom is too big for words. We are truly blessed with extended family on both sides. These family visits are the best thing ever. There is no replacement for the time you give to family. Thanks guys for taking the time to come and visit. We sure love you!