Here & Now

McKenly came to visit.  And while it was a visit we had been waiting for, for almost 20 years, we only focused on the here and now.  His mother had prepped him for this day his whole life...to love, embrace and enjoy his father, brothers and I.  It was a whirlwind 10 days but oh so natural.  He just simply belonged and fit in and hung out.  We kept him to ourselves and didn't take him around to meet many people.  We all wanted it like that.  This trip was important for us as a family...

The Carpenters and The Nichols. 

He stayed up too late with his brothers (hee hee); they laughed loud and often; and man, can they all eat!  We got joy out of seeing the 3 of them in the kitchen every night making their 4th meal of the day! Whether they were fishing or throwing balls (Nicholas' favorite) or driving around, eating and laughing (Jacob's favorite)...these brothers had a grand ol' time.

And as for father and son?  Well, genetics are amazing.  Two peas in a pod.  I've never seen Michael as relaxed and content as he was the last two weeks.  It was like his world was complete.

McKenly got spoiled by Nik & Nana...as they do all of their grandchildren.

He hung out with my sister and her husband while camping.

He just loved his trip and we did too.  It wasn't good-bye when he left, rather see you soon. 

We had a magnificent time together and can't wait for the next time.

We played in downtown Seattle.

Rode the monorail.

These 3 were inseparable for the 10 days.

We drove to the beach at Ocean Shores so McKenly could touch the Pacific Ocean.

These brothers agreed to go in with him!

We celebrated the calmness, joy and contentment of our time with McKenly.

They tried oyster shooters.

We camped, shared pictures, played games, ate, laughed and treasured each moment.

Daddy caught something....his son, Nicholas!!!  What a trooper though.  The hook had to be pushed through his arm before we could snip it off.  He never cried.

We fished.  Well, they fished.  I watched.

Um yah, they fished some more.  And then, they fished again. 

We all kayaked. (Thank you Nik!)

We rode bikes.  Jacob got in Nik's scuba gear. 

Selfie at the Mariners game!  Seats behind home plate!

Making friends with the people behind them.

Although Nicholas loves Jacob -- they are so close in age, that they are more "buddies".  This is the big brother relationship that both boys have yearned for.  And McKenly said the same thing--he has always wanted brothers...now, he's got them.

There are so many special memories and moments that we shared over the 10 days.  I've shared them with his mom and we shared many happy tears.  I also can't thank my family enough.  They have loved Michael as their own forever.  And they have always embraced his family and his children.  There is no difference in treatment between the brothers, and for that, I feel so grateful and lucky.

I have journaled about our time for the boys to keep as a keepsake to this trip to go along with the things they collected and the pictures we have taken.