Da Bear....

Meet Bear, not his real name, but pretty much everyone calls him that. This is the 'almost 2 yr old' son of dear friends of ours. We are out celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. Mama is with child once again, and as before, the sex of the little one remains a surprise, so unheard of these days. It was such a treat 2 years ago to hear out in the halls of the hospital "It's a boy...I am a Dad of a BOY!!!". It was an exciting day.

Daddy is the youth pastor of our church and we work and have worked with them, side by side for the last 9 years. They are younger than we are, but for as much older as we are, they have poured into our lives as much as anyone our own age. We have been through many trials and joys, we have laughed so hard, and cried. They are a true gift to our family. We love them a lot.

They have a wonderful marriage of love, and respect for one another, and they love and adore their Bear. They discipline him in love, and it is a beautiful thing. He is kind of our pseudo relative... we are Auntie and Uncle to him. And of course, he has many...but we share!!!

This couple each bring to the table a wonderful family of their own. Each with a Mother and Father, sisters and a brother, collectively, a really great family from both sides. They include our family in the mix as part of their family get- togethers. We always feel welcomed and loved.

It is exciting to see the family grow and a blessing to celebrate 10 years with them. Here's you...Mama & Daddy, Bear & little one on the way...you bless our lives and you are family!!!!

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In this shot...Bear has just made a pile of mandarin orange slices, (see it dripping from his chin) and is proud of his accomplishment. He is showing Uncle Jimmy!!!!