Here, There and Everywhere....

I wish I could sketch out our visit to Maryland, it would truely be a beautiful painting to behold! I've deemed the endeavor near impossible....but, for fun, I might try my hand at just the first couple hours...

Our eyes eagerly scanned faces as our tired feet dragged us through the airport security sliding doors. Before even making it out the door I spotted baby Eden in Heidi's arms. The distance between us quickly evaporated as I rushed towards Heidi and Kendra. Randy, Naphtali and Niko were scrambling in and around the quad-stroller and little Christianna nestled peacefully in Kendra's arms. We soon heard that the rest of the family was stranded ten miles from the airport. The very last trip of our faithful 18-year-old Howard family Ford Van (although we tossed up ideas for years the van never received a proper name :). Kendra had come from her home in Baltimore and Heidi from the Carrozza's. We rode with Kendra while Heidi went to rescue the family. Seemed very surreal riding in the van with Kendra. My first time meeting three of the five little ones now residing in her loving heart. Baby Eden entered the family in January and little Niko and Christianna are foster babies that Jesse and Kendra hope to adopt. The road from the airport dragged on longer than usually as I sat perched in the back ready to spring out of my seat the moment the house came into view.

The van came to a stop. The kitchen door flew open. Loved ones swarmed the van. Andrew, in the front seat was first to be attacked. With six car-seats in front of me, I choose the back route out over the stroller and luggage. Andrew teasingly sought to detain the mob of sisters from getting to me. Finally, after the longest second of my life, I managed to get the back door open. My body followed my head out the door into a pile of Emily, Katrina, Kirstie, Jenny and Melody. Seth, Joseph, Joli and her brood of ducklings followed close behind. I've sometimes feared that I'll enthusiastically scoop up one of my beloved nieces or nephews only to have them squeal with fright as they look up at a stranger. Somehow, I think even the real little ones catch on quickly that all the commotion and excitement is over people that belong and we love very much. It also probably helps to have seven sisters that share many of the same features. :) Mama and Papa arrived shortly after we made it inside. Poor Zeke was exhausted from a grueling 30 hour trip. He soaked up all the attention and in moments his happy little charming self was back. Yummy plates were passed as freely as hugs and laughter. The room buzzed with a dozen happy voices and my heart felt as peaceful and delighted as a bright summers day. The clock spoke a late hour and I knew our bodies must be tired after two sleepless days but I somehow felt full of life and wished the night wouldn't come to a close for some time yet.