Seventeen Kids and Counting!

Yes, you read that right. Seventeen kids (and I said counting because Anna still counts but wasn't here). Seventeen kids....between two families. Not quite at the Duggar level, but still fun chaos. 

We had a good time of fellowship tonight with our friends the Nordstroms!

Their daughter Meddie arrived home from Ethiopia a little over two weeks ago (see my earlier post: She's Home!!!) Although they are still adjusting, Meddie is doing very well; when I see her I am always struck by her beautiful smile and joyful giggle.

Meddie with "T-Bird". An adoptive sibling (is that the right phrase?) myself, I feel so privileged to watch the way that Meddie's five siblings have opened their hearts and cheerfully sacrificed much to welcome her to their family. I also love how they are each other's best friends and stick with each other through thick and thin; they are a joy to be with!

My youngest brother with the Nordstrom's youngest boy. Eddie Joe has a sweet and gentle spirit and has been a wonderful big brother to Meddie.

Shhh....this is kind of a secret, but Eddie Joe was my favorite Sunday School student. He's my pal!

Can you guess where my dad works? No, we don't get the ice cream for free, but we do stock up on it as you can see. We think Dad has a pretty sweet job! 

Never forget that Blue Bunny is the best ice cream to be had; never settle for less than perfection. :)

 Yes, we have a resident comedian. "Alexander" keeps us laughing all day long with his acting skills, sound effects, and creative memory.

And I have to finish with this picture: our two families youngest daughters, representing three countries: Russia, Ethiopia, and America. They are good friends and so precious together!