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Family

                                                          (LeAnne's Family-Christmas 2021)

 Family is a large part of our lives and a huge reason we continue on our adoption journey. Our biggest desire in adopting and growing our family is giving a child the love of family we were both blessed to experience. Growing up in a large family definitely had its challenges, but I would not change it for the world. Even though we all have busy lives, we make getting together a priority. I have especially enjoyed watching our nieces and nephews grow over the years and how close they have all become. My youngest sister has even started a tradition of hosting "cousins camp" each Summer.

The past couple Summers all 17 kids, ages 18 to 4, spend a few days at her home in Northeast Arkansas. She even has individual shirts made with their birth order. The kids enjoy swimming, playing games and just getting away spending time with one another. My parents even go up, helping to make the time extra special. We then wrap it up with a family cookout. This year was even more exciting and special as we were able to celebrate our sister-in-law and grandbaby number 18 due in September. We are all excited for the newest addition and Matthew and I can't wait to add to this crazy crew.

To wrap up the Summer before going back to school, my parents hosted a cookout. We enjoyed great food and a game of wiffle ball then ended the night with s'mores and a movie outside. Nights like these, I feel we get to push pause on our hectic schedules and really reminds me the importance of family. Quiet Summer nights are some of my favorite things and something I look forward to experiencing with our future child.

Although Matthew's family is not as geographically close to us as mine, we try to get together as much as we can, often times just over a quick lunch when we happen to be in the same town. Both our families have been influential in our lives and extremely supportive throughout our adoption journey. We could not do it without each and everyone of them. 


LeAnne




                                                                           (Cousins Camp 2022)


"Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life."   -Lisa Weed


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