Introducing: Our Nieces and Nephews

Today, Kelly is doing a special link up all about nieces and nephews and/or grandkids.  If you've been reading here long, you have probably already seen many references to this crazy and special bunch of kiddies.  We are so blessed to have so many sweet nieces and nephews.  My brother and I were adopted and for much of our childhood, it was just us.  Our biological Uncle and Aunt lived in Indiana, and we actually stayed with them for a time so we were pretty close to our cousins then.  My Uncle is still very special to me, and he attended my wedding and came down to see us a couple of years ago.  He has some health issues that make traveling very difficult for him, but he is just the sweetest man.  His son, my cousin Rondall, and his wife and little girl came too so I got to see my cousin that I hadn't seen since I was a young child.

Evan meets Uncle Ronnie!

Getting to see our cousin Rondall and little Skylar. 

So providing my kids with family is pretty important to me and allowing my children to grow up close to their cousins is a wonderful blessing.  My brother and I currently have 6 kids under 9 with our little girl being lucky number 7.  My husband's sister also was recently blessed with our little Grady, and their family has a very generous portion of cousins so there are plenty of kids around us.

Introducing:

Emma - the almost teenage girl who started this whole adventure.  She is a beautiful little blue eyed blond who enjoys reading (just like her Aunt), playing with Barbies, fashion design (didn't get that one from me), taking care of her brothers and sister and younger cousins, dancing, swimming (what a fish!), and just never failing to entertain the crowd.  She belongs on Broadway!

Emma's dance recital when she was about 6. 

Lanny - the first boy who is 6 and definitely a character.  He is Evan's best friend since birth and loves all sports known to man (well basketball and golf may be his favorites like his daddy), pirates, Star Wars (he got Evan hooked!), and just about anything boy.  He'll do just about anything for a laugh so we have to watch this one.  Ha!

Evan and his best buddy, Lanny

Reade - a very smart and reflective little man of 4.  Don't let this little guy's quietness fool you; he's probably planning something big.  He is an inquisitive little guy and loves to ask some very engaging questions.  He loves his big brother and cousin and is also often much tougher than they are.  He loves to sword fight and play rough which his older brother taught him well, and he has a few battle scars to show for it.  But this little boy definitely knows how to give love.  He loves his sister and younger cousin and is so gentle with them.  He is also pretty cuddly too.

Sweet Reade picking a flower for Mom. 

Cate - the littlest princess of the bunch.  She is about a year and a half, and her best buddy is "big" cousin Brody.  She is little and delicate looking, but don't let those looks fool you.  She is tough and feisty and can definitely take care of herself.  Do not think you can take a toy from this girl and get away with it.  She is too busy for naps and refuses to slow down through her day.  Actually, she hates settling down at nighttime too.  She is sweet and quiet until she is displeased, and she loves exploring and testing her limits.  She is a dainty little Southern belle with a whole lot of fire!

Sweet Cate playing in the leaves. 

Grady - Well, this cutie is just working hard on growing up so he can play with his big cousins.  Despite some health concerns, he is a tough little cookie and is just as sweet as can be.  He has a head full of the softest dark hair and is just as cuddly as any baby you've ever seen.  We can't wait to learn more about this little man as he grows and develops.

Sweet Baby Grady

And of course, there are all the extended little cousins on Daddy's side of the family.  Wow, what a crew!

The Hudson great-grandkids.