A McIntosh A Day

I’m thankful for my extended Kirk family. I first met Annie, Chris & Mark LaMoreaux’s daughter, when she was in high school and I was visiting Moscow on vacation. She called me Aunt Lucy and we formed a bond - one that still exists today. Annie’s all grown up now and quite a lovely woman - a wife and a mother. She’s given me a very special gift…the opportunity to be Aunt Lucy to her children.

I make every effort to tell young parents, if you want your children to love your siblings or Kirk family, you have to show them your love for the person and encourage them to do the same. It’s really a simple thing, and a gift to your children, the family member or friend, and yourself. My brother, Doug, and my sister (in-law), Paula, continue to be incredibly gracious with their children towards me, and consistently demonstrate how love flows. Because Chris showed her love for me, Annie did the same, and now Annie’s children, Emma and Bea, are wrapped all around my heart.

And it just keeps getting better. Sweet Violet Mae was born on March 20th. You can visit the McIntosh blog to see her baby pictures. I visited on Tuesday and got to hold Violet without having to compete with Grandma Nana and Violet’s other adoring fans. She’s a beauty, just like all the other McIntosh women.

While I was visiting, Emma and Bea dressed up in lovely dresses and fancy shoes. I captured the photos on my phone and obviously haven’t learned how to adjust stuff. But cuteness just can’t be stifled.