We had such a great two weeks with my brother being home on holiday leave. He stayed at our house for most of that time and it was just like the old days when he would stay with Artie and I a lot when we were first married. Avery become very attached to her Uncle Jake and loved watching him play video games. It was just nice:)
We had to take Jake down to Indy yesterday for him to fly to Dallas so he could catch his bus back to Fort Sill in Oklahoma. I'm not going to lie, it was tough. He has a life in the military now and who knows what changes that will bring to his life. I know that's what life is about, change and growth, but these past two weeks were sort of a goodbye to the old relationship we had with Jake. Since there's so much of an age difference between us, I've always treated him like a second mother. Artie has known Jake since he was 6, so to Artie, Jake is a brother not just a brother-in-law. It was so great getting to have him hang out with us, watch TV, play video games, eat good food and joke around-it's what Artie and I have always done with him. But, the truth is, he's growing up. Yeah, there's always going to be 9 years between us, but the older we get, the closer that gap seems to be. Jake is a fantastic uncle. He was so fun and patient with the kids, they love him. Avery even got up this morning and said she wanted to watch Uncle Jake play video games. When Artie explained to her that Jake wasn't here anymore and to remember that we took him to the airport yesterday, she replied with "Uncle Jake's at work." Kids are so smart!
Jake will be 25 when his tour with the Army is over and I'm sure he won't be coming to stay and hang out with his oldest sister anymore. He'll have his own life and maybe even his own family by then. I'm trying hard not to focus so much on the past and the way things have been, but what the future will bring for Jake and I's relationship. I'm excited to see him grow and to know what's in store for him. He has made such an amazing commitment and he deserves good things from it. So, I know that these past two weeks did represent sort of a one last hurrah, but not a goodbye. I love my little brother and though our relationship with him may change it will also grow. We'll always be able to get together and hang out and joke around, but one day he'll have other things in his life that are a bigger priority. I'm glad we'll be able to share that with him! We can't wait to head out to Oklahoma and see him graduate basic in February!
Here are some pictures from our trip yesterday...
I had the privilege of sitting in the back seat with my kiddos and yes, this is Avery reading one of my US Weekly magazines! 
Spencer was giving me the cutest smiles most of the way down. He's very fascinated with his tongue:)
Artie and Jake at lunch. We went to On the Boarder because Jake wanted mexican-we had never been to one (we don't have them in the Fort) and it was pretty good.
How cute is this, right?! The kids were getting some last minute Uncle Jake time while we waited with him at the airport:)
Jake and I, of course:)!And this is one from last week...
Avery has been very into feeding her little brother. It's so cute, she's very helpful-he's almost as big as her though!
Avery has been very into feeding her little brother. It's so cute, she's very helpful-he's almost as big as her though!
7 comments:
Steph,
You should find comfort in the fact that even though you have "grown up and changed" that you still value the time with your family members. I am sure Jake will feel the same way towards you and your family, even when he's 25.
With two brothers in the military myself (with them overseas sooo many months of the year), we still are excited to work out trips to visit each other. I can only imagine how hard this will be when we each of us have children... but since we each value the "aunt and uncle" relationships we have with our OWN family now, I am sure it will carry through to our future families.
I truly believe you will keep your relationship alive and strong over the next couple very-challenging years with your brother.
And never forget that HE NEEDS YOU! So keep the line of communication open :) And someday you will probably be HIS child's Godmother :)
Love you,
Janelle :)
Sorry to hear that your brother had to leave- that is always the worst part of getting together for the holidays! But at least you got to have such a good time and I am sure, like you said your relationship will only continue to grow and get better and stronger.
Pictures are super cute- esp. of Avery feeding Spencer!
your brother is always in our prayers- i know the military lifestyle isn't easy for anyone involved.... i pray that you all will continue to have the strength and guidance during the upcoming years.... and i know for a fact- that no matter how much time goes by- when you see them- it is like no time has passed:) it is the coolest thing to experience!
lots of love your way!
love,
megs
hey steph...
just to answer some of your questions....
1) you can still take the stroller up to the plane's walkway- they will check it planeside and have it ready when you get off
2) just carry on the carseat and use the seatbelt to strap it in
3) lollipops work wonders for take off and landings and help with the kids ears
4) i bought sticker books for the boys and kept them as a surprise for them to look at during take off
Thanks everyone, it's getting a little easier now that it's been a few days since he left...:)
Megs, thanks for the great tips. I'm really nervous about doing this with two, but if you can do it with three, by yourself-I know Artie and I can do it!
Sorry I'm replying to this so late in the game! Jake is in our prayers as well- I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time with him, and even though he will be gone a lot over the next few years, Avery and Spencer will hold a very special place in their hearts for their uncle. I am amazed at how well E. gets along with all of her aunts and uncles- even though they don't see each other all the time, each visit is so special and they get a closer bond each time.
Those pictures are wonderful! I cannot wait for the kids to all see each other. What are you doing for the Superbowl?? We are hoping to have a party down here if you want to come!
Love,
C:)
And of course I'm even later than Christine : > I agree with everyone. You have done so much for Jake. Even though your relationship is changing, it will always be strong. I'm glad that you had such a great time with him! I LOVE the pic where Spencer is sticking his tongue out : > I'm determined to get one of Colten like that but every time I snap the pic, I miss it. Avery and Spencer are too cute - that bottle pic is priceless! Love you guys. We are so proud of Jake and will pray for him.
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