stillness, for a moment

The whirl and tumult has ceased for few minutes. Big Sis has collapsed on the futon; Clark has fallen asleep sitting up in bed; and Niece (age 7) and Nephew (age 5) have retired to their bed in the guest room. I can hear them through 2 closed doors, attempting to "share" the down comforter.

Big Sis, Niece, and Nephew are not actually family. That means we don't share genes or ancestors. (Then again, Niece and Nephew are adopted, so they don't share those things with Big Sis, either.) It also means we don't have to stress about having everything perfect when they visit and we have a lot of fun when they come. But they are close enough to feel like family. If anything were to happen to Big Sis and her husband, we would raise Niece and Nephew. Though I don't like to contemplate this "God Forbid" scenario, it means a lot to have this special relationship with these kids.

We were up early, playing Legos, fixing Cheerios and oatmeal (for the little kids) and veggie frittata (for us big kids), taking Dog on a walk. Clark and Big Sis went to do some errands. I made lunch while they were gone: 2 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and 3 tuna sandwiches. Pickles, yellow pepper strips, and baby carrots for all.

We are getting ready to go to the TownNextDoor Festival. Niece is excited to go on the midway rides and see the crafts; Nephew is pumped for tractors and the kiddie tractor pull. I am just happy to get experience it all with them. (Except for the rides; that's Clark's area of expertise. Rides pretty much make me want to ralph.)

Although I don't envision a life where Clark and I are raising kidlets of our own, it is impossible for me to imagine a life without children. Niece and Nephew are as much "mine" as anyone I have ever known. Their quirks, their faults, their successes, their charms feel familiar and safe.

It's good to have them visit, good to have Big Sis, Niece, and Nephew be the first visitors with whom we share our first, our new home.