Thrilling Hellos and Bittersweet Goodbyes

Do you see this picture? I have tons of these over the years. It's a tradition that Ethan waits at the doors when he knows the boys have just arrived.

Then the first thing he does is hug them tight. Look at the sheer joy in his face. There is something to be said about a bond between brothers. Ethan hero worships his brothers.

Please note that I didn't get a similar picture of Ethan hugging Jacob. No, he threw a fast one on me and darted out the door to hug Jake there. I wasn't quick enough with my camera, so you'll have to trust me when I say that Jake got a hug with just as much enthusiasm.

I made the mistake of taking these photos mid-day. That's a photography no-no, but it was the best that I could do. Lets all just be happy that I got the three of them to cooperate long enough for me to get some shots.

Doesn't Ethan look so happy? He doesn't even look like he cares about the large arm draped over his head. That's how you know a kid loves his brother....the kid will let the brother lean on his head. And not get a blow in to the stomach while it's unprotected....that's what I would have done when I was a kid....

As most of my five readers know....our household (sans me) is a Tarheel household. It's was a huge deal when the Heels won the Final 4. My In-Laws graciously sent all four of my guys a championship shirt. Awwww.....they are quadruplets...but please don't tell them I said that. They won't appreciate the humor like we do.

These last pictures were actually taken at the request of my father-in-law. He wanted all of his boys in a photo with the shirts. These photos were taken about 15 minutes before the boys left to go to the airport.

It was hard to get all four of them to look at me and smile at the same time. You'd think I was asking for them to hand me their arm or something. Hello boys.....? Will one of you hand me your arm? No? Well, then will you please just look at the camera and smile? Thank you.

Originally Jake came out of the house wearing his shirt with red shorts. Yes, red. I admit...I looked at him and said my very common word....Really Jake? Really? This picture was taken while Jake went back into the house to find some shorts that matched. What is it about boys not caring if they match? I think that is the one main genetic difference between boys and girls. Ethan has this affliction too. You ought to see some of his outfits that he will put together. It makes my nose crinkle. Jake especially though, he's such a teenage boy. Clothes are just something to cover his body. That is also what makes him so cute though. errr...don't tell him I said that OK?


This is probably my favorite picture taken all week. It speaks volumes. When the boys left, Ethan wouldn't tell them bye at first. He was too upset that they were leaving. But then the waterworks started. It was one of the most heart breaking things I've been through. Normally we send him to school so that he will be distracted when they leave. Since he's getting older, we let him stay, so this was really the first time that we have gone through the goodbyes in real time.

He was bawling, which in turn made me bawl. He begged me to let him go with them. He begged me to let him go live with them. He begged me to make Daddy bring them back. Finally, we sat down on the steps and cried together. It took about 45 minutes for him to calm down but he was still sad for hours.

It's times like this that make me regret moving away from them. It's times like this that makes me feel like we made a horrible mistake. But, we'll visit that another time.

Boys, if you are reading this....we all love you so much. Ethan adores you, your dad loves you to pieces, and I love you too. We can't wait to see you again soon.