Another Milestone ~ 8 years and 8 months in the making!

Another milestone in my reunion with my firstborn happened last weekend.  (It only took 8 years and 8 months!)

For the first time ever, all of my children AND (almost) all of my grandchildren were together! It was the first time Christopher's two children met their aunt, uncles, and cousins. 

It was an amazing weekend, to say the least.  I am so thankful that all three of my raised children fully accept Christopher and his family into our lives.  And equally thankful that Christopher, his wife and children fully accept us into theirs.  There is no greater joy for me than to see the kids (grown and littles) all laughing and talking and enjoying each others company.  I am so very, very blessed. 

The weekend also brought an answer to a question I've wondered often since reuniting with my son and getting to know his children (10 yr old son and 8 yr old daughter).  I didn't know if they had ever wondered or been told exactly how I was "Grandma" to them.  I got that answer as we were walking from one zoo exhibit to another, when his daughter and I were lagging behind the others and talking.  She got quiet for a few seconds, looking at me, then asks "Why did you have daddy when you were just a teenager?". 

After I came out of shock I think I said "Well", with a long pause, then "That's just what happened." I was not prepared AT ALL for that!!  Thankfully some of the other kids ran up at that moment and the subject was changed.  Later in the day, it was just us again, getting popcorn in a busy concession stand line when she brought it up again. She asked why I couldn't be his mom because I was a teenager. I told her it was for lots of reasons that she wouldn't understand and that it was very hard and sad but I was so very happy that Grandma Pam and Grandpa Tom could be his parents for me. She said "Yeah, but you were his very first mommy."  Somehow I could still talk after that and said "Yes, I was, and isn't it wonderful that dad has both of his moms now?" She got a huge smile on her face and exclaimed a loud "Yes!" just as it was our turn to order.

Grandkids watching the penguins.  I so loved watching them all be together!

By late afternoon the kids were all ready to leave the zoo and head to our hotel to swim and order pizza in for dinner.  We took over almost the entire pool and then reception/breakfast area at the hotel ~ we were 8 adults and 9 children from 7 months - 15 years old.  

All My Sons (plus one wife!)

 
Christopher's kids seemed a bit overwhelmed with all their cousins, aunt, and uncles ~ trying to remember names, but at the same time also seemed very comfortable with all of them, like we had always been a part of each others lives.  

My firstborn son with my latest born granddaughter!

  Discussion has already been started on where our next get-together will be. 

Life is Good!