Family dinner

It has been a blast having Nichole, Tyler and Kate stay with us these past few days. I've really missed them. I was so pleased to see how well Tyler and Dallin are getting along and Kate...well she gets along with anyone! I think one of the my biggest concerns has been how to blend my Shumway family into the Southwick family. I want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and accepted...I don't know why I was worried. I am so grateful to see how easy it has been for both sides to open their hearts to each other. I know it is still different and perhaps a little awkward at times, but I am blessed to belong to two extremely loving families...despite the unexpected circumstances that brought us together. In any case, Sunday night I invited Krystle and her husband, Jordan, and Scott, Mel and Kaia over for dinner along with us and Nichole, Tyler and Kate. We were only lacking my parents and baby brother, Michael, and his wife, Jenn to have the complete Shumway clan. Still we had fun! Jeff grilled up some carne asada for dinner and the kids played outside on the swings, zipline, and even got up on the tractor. I think Kate was amazed with "country" life. She loved feeding the chickens and mistakenly called a goat a baby llama. She still has much to learn. All in all it has been a fun weekend. I just feel immensely blessed to have an amazing husband, children, and family!

Dallin, Tyler and Daniel in the bucket while Kate, Kaia and Jeff drove. Scott is walking to the side.

My siblings: Scott, me, Nichole and Krystle...just missing Michael.