reunions

We have been busy with reunions these past few weeks. We had the Barber Reunion 2010, Knoxville. It was great to be with everyone again and meet the newest (and last?) addition to the family, Sam. My boys especially enjoyed holding this big boy and proudly carried him around. Sadly I didn't take many pictures of our days together. The first afternoon was spent on boats and at our pool. We got to show off our new fire pit and smores were enjoyed by everyone.

We took advantage of us all being together and got a Barber family photo. This is everyone waiting our turn. Other highlights of our time together: Virginia Creeper, talent show, and of course the crossword puzzles. Our t-shirts had this theme and were great-using every one's names. I so enjoy seeing my brothers (and their families) at these reunions. I think I most enjoyed the paper game...just hanging out laughing together. The thought of Troy showing his blank shirt still makes me smile.

The next week we attended the 2nd annual reunion of families that have adopted from China. We didn't make it last year and are glad we made it this year. The morning was spent doing Chinese games and the afternoon we enjoyed a Chinese Acrobat show. I try to get Claire to as many of these type events as we can so that she can be around families like ours and not feel so different. Funny thing is that while we are there, I notice that she is different. At home she is just Claire. But there I see that she is an adopted little Chinese girl who doesn't look like her parents or brothers. But I love to look around and see all these families like ours. I love the bond we share. I love knowing they know what it is like to go to China and pick up your daughter.

Claire got to write Chinese letters

At the reunion, Jared became somewhat of a celebrity. There was one of those metal puzzles where you try to get one piece off the other. Apparently, many adults spent 30+ minutes trying to accomplish this feat. Jared took about 3 minutes and got it. He was instantly paraded around to all the adults who had tried and failed and they were all in awe of Jared. The ladies in charge took his picture, then took our family's picture, then offered him anything from the gift shop as his prize. He chose the Chinese yo-yo.