Community

We got home late tonight because of a birthday party. L has had quite the social calendar lately. She was invited to bring the rest of us to a little friend's 2 year old party, he is the little brother of one of Ek's best friends. J was home sick with fever and sore throat, we were very sad to leave him home-- but we had such a wonderful time. The 3 little ones stayed under foot mostly playing and having a good time. L and the birthday boy are 3rd children and the other is a 4th child, so they are very similar in how they play. Ek stuck very closely to Caroline and H stuck very closely with the boys, 6 year old twins and 2 8 year olds. I would not have guessed that. We really didn't see much of the big kids, they played chase outside and Wii upstairs. We did see them for cake. :) My thought though, is how important community is. The father of the birthday boy was disappointed that his parents weren't there and oh goodness I would have been too. My kids are so blessed with their grandparents. I guess I am just struck again and again how wonderful it is to have others alongside while we try to raise our children. Others that will speak encouragement to them and us, who will help us see their uniqueness and how special they are, and to see how similar they all are and that we will survive-- and they will too. It is just wonderful to be with friends, and family, who love our kids too. I am thankful.