Extended family

We are all about family. Our families mean the world to us, and we try to cultivate relationships and stay close even though we live far away. Despite distance we are fortunate enough to visit family a couple of times a year, and always love guests!

Lindsay comes from a large, loud and at times crazy family :) She has five sisters, four brothers-in-law and six nieces and nephews. Cousin time is one of our favorite things about visiting families. 

My mom has come to visit us a couple times for Thanksgiving. We love taking her along to cut our Christmas tree, and celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas in the same weekend.

Lindsay comes from a large family.She has six aunts and uncles and over two dozen couples. Last year they had a mini family reunion to celebrate her grandma's 90th birthday. 

Caleb's older cousins are so wonderful and helpful with him. They love when he comes to visit. They give him all their attention and are willing to do what he wants to do. 

Lindsay's family (minus one) at her sister's wedding.

 This last March we made a quick trip to see family. Caleb loved getting spoiled by his cousins and aunties. We also celebrated John's 30th birthday 

 

John's family is a little smaller, and a little calmer. His mother and step-father live in the house that John grew up in. John's only sibling is an identical twin brother who is married with two adorable little girls. Caleb loves to talking to his three year old cousin and playing with his grandparents.

 We have loved seeing how much Caleb looks like his Madsen cousins since their dads are twins after all. The picture on the left is his cousin holding the newest member of our family at age three, the one on the right is Caleb holding her as a newborn at 23 months.

 John loves doing anything active with his brother every chance they can get. This last fall they hiked 50 miles through Montana's wilderness. 

Our family has been supportive and loving with our decision to adopt. We know any child who joins our family will join the whole family. The child will be blessed with two parents and one brother who loves them more than anything in the world, as well as an extended family who will love and support them throughout their life.