Adam's Side

I wanted to share with you how much I love the relationship between my parents, (Nana and PopPop to Mason) and my son, Mason. From the moment he was born, they've had an unbreakable bond that warms my heart. Even though they don't get to see each other as often as they would like, when they do, it's as if no time has passed at all.

Nana and PopPop are truly special grandparents. They have a way of making Mason feel so loved and important, and they always make sure he's having fun. They've taken him on adventures to the park, the zoo, and even to the beach. Mason always comes back with stories about all the fun things they did together.

They're also incredibly supportive of our family. When I need advice or just a listening ear, they're always there for me. They've been married for over 40 years and their love and dedication to each other is a beautiful thing to witness. I know that they would be amazing grandparents to any future children we may have.

Mason and my sister Becca have an amazing special relationship. It's truly heartwarming to see how much they adore each other, even though they live in different states. Becca is Mason's godmother, and she's been an important part of his life since he was born.

Becca has two dogs, Rip and Lou, that Mason loves to talk about and ask to see. She always sends pictures and videos of them, so Mason feels like he knows them personally. I think it's really sweet that even though they live far apart, they can still share a love for animals.

What I love most about their relationship is that Becca always finds a way to connect with Mason and make him feel special. Whether it's sending him little gifts in the mail or FaceTiming him to tell him silly stories, she knows how to make him smile. Mason always looks forward to their calls and talks about her all the time.

I know that if we have more children in the future, Becca will make an amazing aunt to them as well. She's patient, caring, and has a great sense of humor that kids love. I feel so grateful to have her in our lives, and I know that Mason feels the same way.

My sister's husband, Mike, is a police officer in California. He is a detective in San Bernadino. Mason loves when we go to their house and he gets to see Uncle Mike's motorcycle! 

I come from a large extended family that is always there for each other through thick and thin. My dad is one of seven. He has three brothers and three sisters, all of whom have their own families, and we all make sure to stay connected despite living in different parts of the country. One of our biggest traditions is our annual trip to Lake Havasu, where we rent houses, trailers, and boats. We spend two weeks together on the lake, some stay the whole time and others come for part of it. It's always so much fun catching up with my aunts, uncles, and cousins, while we all enjoy swimming, boating, and barbecuing together. It is so fun watching all of our children play together and get to experience something that has been a tradition since my dad was a child. 

My aunts and uncles are all amazing and each have their own unique personalities. Aunt Jeanne is the life of the party and always has us laughing with her stories and jokes. Aunt Diana is a great listener and is always there to offer a helping hand whenever someone needs it. Aunt Kathleen is a fantastic cook and always spoils us with her delicious meals. Uncle Herb (Diane's husband) is the family's resident handyman and always willing to help with any repairs or projects. Uncle Jack and Aunt Kerry are the family's adventurer and always has the best stories from their travels around the world. Uncle Jack and Aunt Kerry are my godparents. Uncle Tom (Aunt Kathleen) is a bit of a prankster and always keeps us on our toes with his jokes and antics. Uncle Joe is a quiet person who loves to fish and go out on the water, he is a lot different than his wife, Aunt Debbie, she is always talking and laughing. Uncle Steve and Aunt Lori are such nice people who are always willing to lend a hand. 

I have over 20 first cousins! We range in age from 45 to 16. My cousins are all so much fun to be around, and we have a blast playing games, going on hikes, and just hanging out together. And even though we all live in different parts of the country, we stay connected throughout the year with regular phone calls, texts, video chats, and family events. Many of my cousins have children the same age as Mason. We are especially close to my cousin Jackie and her husband Frank, although they do not have any children of their own, Mason loves spending time with them. They have become "Uncle Frank" and "Aunt Jackie." My other cousin Mike and his wife Allison moved to Arizona recently. They have two kids right around the same age as Mason and they love playing together!

On my mom's side my mom has one brother Scot. He is married to my Aunt Amy, they have one son together Matthew. Matt is in college and my aunt and uncle live in Maryland. We don't get to see them very often but we do talk to them a lot. We always facetime on holidays, birthdays, and major events. Any time we have a big event they try to come see us. Alexis was in Washington DC recently with her students, and they even came to DC to go to dinner with Alexis and her students. My Uncle Scot is very queit, whereas my Aunt Amy is the opposite, she is loud and chatty. She is the life of the party! 

Overall, I feel so blessed to be part of such a wonderful and supportive family, and I know that no matter what life throws our way, we will always be there for each other.