Family Ties Us Together

Stephen has been very busy for the past few weeks.  He’s had the chance to meet and spend time with several family members.  He still has many more to meet, but we’re off to a good start.

Stephen’s Aunt Kayla came with her family, Sue and Julie one afternoon.  That same day, Stephen’s cousin, Braxton and Aunt Emily came, too.  We had a great time spending the day with everyone.  Kayla laughed at Stephen when he cried out or made funny noises, and the boys showed they’re going to be life-long friends.  I can’t wait for them to be able to grow up together….I’m looking forward to the sleepovers, campfires, Family Torture Days, and everything that comes along with cousins.



Aunt Kayla loves to watch Stephen



Making faces



Cousins are friends for life!



Two weeks ago, Stephen went on his first road trip!  Along with Abi and Aunt Katie, we drove to Winchester, VA to meet Mom, Dad, and Grandma.  Abi is going to Camp Sloper again this year, so we decided to meet half-way to drop her off.  This was the first time Grandma was able to meet Stephen, and (of course!) she just loved him!  He was a great traveler (he slept most of the way) and even behaved when we went out to dinner and breakfast.  The best part?  Stephen actually slept through the night when we returned to North Carolina.  (He hasn’t made a habit of that, though, but it was exciting to see him get eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.  I did not get that much sleep, though, as I kept getting up to make sure he was breathing!)



Stephen is Great-Grandma's sixth great-grandchild!  No wonder she looks like a natural!



Four Generations

One week later, Stephen made another road trip…this one much longer!  We drove to Illinois to visit Shawn’s family.  On the way up there, we broke the trip into two days;  we stopped in Kentucky to spend the night, and got into Mt. Erie, IL on Friday afternoon.  Stephen was, again, a great traveler.  I think the fresh air (or maybe all the corn?) was good for him; he slept great while we were there.  Stephen was a popular little guy in IL, and had fun with his family.  Next year, we think he’ll be running around with the “big kids” on the Slip and Slide!


Stephen can't wait to play with his cousin, Mitchell



Maybe a little jealous that he can't play on the Slip-n-Slide with Malcolm?



Getting kisses from Grandma Williams



Stephen was the center of attention!

Needless to say, Stephen has had a busy summer.  We’re going to test out Stephen’s true travel skills by flying to Oklahoma in September for a family reunion.  We’re also hoping to get to Connecticut in October (around Apple Harvest-time…can’t resist those fritters!).  Of course, we’re always happy to have family visit us, too!  Later today, Mom, Dad, and Uncle Paul will be here.  They’re spending the week, though I wish they could stay longer.