You see these beautiful faces? The faces of these four fill a very special place in our hearts that only they can fill, and right now they are a world away. But only a month ago they were here, sharing very special moments with us.
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| Family Photos by MeRa Koh Photography |
Rachel, Matt, Emma, and Ryan currently live in Italy, and this summer was the first time we have seen all of them in THREE years. Rachel has been a sister to me since high school . . . we've been there for each other through all sorts of ups and downs in life, so to have them move so far away was difficult for us; though we knew that the experience would be worth its weight in gold for their family. Now, three years later, it is such a joy to hear of their adventures in a foreign land and to see how much they have grown (physically for the kids, emotionally and spiritually for the grown ups).
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| Family Photos by MeRa Koh Photography |
Earlier in August I had a chance to steal some time with their family when Jonathan and I went up to U.P. for Gampa's birthday. I loved seeing Jonathan form fast friendships with these two kids who have been near and dear to our hearts since before they were born. It's as if he had known them his whole life. Maybe because he has? Rachel threw me my baby shower, just as I threw her hers for both kids.
Just look at these adorable faces and tell me that you wouldn't love them as much as we do? These two are amazing!
Fortunately, Gamma and Gampa had a chance to enjoy their visit too, before they were off on their nearly three-week long cruise in the Mediterranean. (I know, we all felt so sorry for them. :))
Back to our visit mid-month. August is a month of celebration for our two families. First comes their anniversary, then the next DAY is Rachel's birthday, then Michael and Matt share back-to-back birthdays the 22nd and 23rd. Needless to say, we have a fun month! This year was extra special. Matt and the kids wanted to surprise Rachel with a birthday party and I'm always up for celebrating her, so the plans came together for a great evening together. First up: carnival-type games for the kids (plus the birthday girl) in the back yard.
Next up: food, of course! Lots of cupcakes, cookies, lemonade, sliders, mini caprese salads (in honor of their current home), watermelon, and other assorted summer foods.
Of course then we enjoyed present opening, singing "Happy Birthday," watching the kids run around the yard with their glow bracelets, and even a mini fireworks show to end the evening. It was a night to remember — a special celebration for a very special person.
The last day of our visit, Rachel blessed us with the family photos you have already seen here. I was able to steal a couple of shots of her in action as she tried to capture our boy, something most of us simply can't do. She did great!
We always wish we had more time together, and we can't wait for their next visit, and hope eventually they will rejoin us on this side of the Atlantic (although we wouldn't blame them if they stayed . . . how many of us dream of living in Italy?!). We miss them every single day, and our hearts are filled with joy every time we have a chance to talk to them. McGinns, we love you so much and are so thankful for the time we had with you this summer! No matter how far apart we are, you are a part of our everyday lives.
One final note, a quote by Walt Whitman that describes these four better than anything else: "Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch." They light up our lives.
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| Photo from Rachel's short visit in May |
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