Family by Chance, Friends by Choice

I am so blessed. I have discovered one of my favorite things about being a parent; it is watching my parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins and siblings with my children. This past weekend we held a birthday party for Brendan and Halle; since their birthdays fall during a busy time of year for my dad, we had it at my mom and dad's house so they could be there. People came from ALL OVER to attend the party. How cool is that? People showered the kids with love, with gifts, and with hugs and kisses. The kids ate it up. Halle, who is normally reserved, went willingly to each and every person that wanted to hold her. She cuddled with everybody and watched everything in awe. Brendan had a great time just running around and playing with all of the other kids. The coolest part is although we are bound together by family ties, we are friends first. We want to see one another, we enjoy family get-togethers and we revel in one another's company.

Family by chance, Friends by choice, what a concept...