Saturday evening after the hike, we drove to Allison and Ron's in Murry.
She (Allison) had prepared a true feast for that evening, She had also made it very personal and sweet. She prepared a slideshow of everyone over the years, and had gotten people to say things they loved/appreciated about each other. It really was very touching.
some of the quotes from that evening:
Of his brother, Kayden: I love when we wrestle together (but when Mama says stop we stop).
—Eli —
Mitchell is very patient and stoic, like when he was holding Eli in his lap at a restaurant and Eli tipped a large bottle of ice water in his lap, he just resolutely went to the bathroom and dried off.
He is also professional and patient at work: When I job shadowed with him, within a couple of hours he was conferring with many teachers, administrators, students, and he was very supportive and helpful to them.
—Dad —
Eli has an inquisitive spirit and adventurous way about him. He is also a great example to his younger brothers and will be a great big brother as they get older together.
-Ron —
I appreciate Melinda’s steadiness. She always consistant about what she does and what she believes. Especially in the wonderful ways she cares for her family, her boys. I admire that she is very athletic—it takes a lot of stamina and effort and have three babies and still go jogging in the morning. Not a lot of women can do that.
—Diane —
Lawrence is a sweet, smiling little guy who fit into our family the moment he came into this world. He brings smiles to all our souls.
—Dad (Mitchell) —
My best memory of Eli is the smile on his dace when I go and visit Mitchell. You can tell he has a kind heart and a good spirit.
—Carlin —
Kayden is so joyful. He tries so hard even now when he is little to spread cheer. He will smile and laugh and celebrate with you anytime. He has such an open, honest spirit. I am so glad he chose to come to our family!
—Melinda —
I love to talk with Lawrence and play games with him.
--Kayden —
I appreciate Melinda’s joy in literature—because it seems that this joy comes from the same place as her joy for beholding the beauties of life. I see this in the way she incorporates the two in the way she describes things and in the giddy excitement that overcomes her when she’s talking about her a favorite line in a beloved story or a little moment during the day. This joy is something pure and beautiful in and of itself.
—Allison —
Not gonna lie I almost cried.
Sunday and Monday we continued the reunion playing and topped off the day with a picnic at the lake.
A big thanks to Allison for planning the whole thing!
