CA '12: The Cousins Meet

We moved into our current house six years ago.  At the time Andy's sister, Kristina, lived about 20 minutes north of us, where her husband was stationed with the navy.  Several months later, the navy moved them to Belgium with our two handsome nephews and our beautiful niece.  We were so lucky to have had several years to get to know these kids when they were young.  In many ways, it helped me to cope with the fact that I was unable to have a family of my own.

As luck would have it, Andy and I became parents just one year later when Charlie and his sister moved in with us.  Then Ephram was born, Charlie adopted, and finally Macie Drew arrived... and still we had not been able to see our "Belgium family" (as our kids came to know them.)

Fate brought all of the Kovar clan to California in October.  It was one of those moments when everything aligned.  Kristina and Todd moved back to California when he retired from the navy this summer along with Martin, Gillian and Evan - now much, much bigger than when we'd last seen them. Even Andy's brother Kris happened to be in Riverside when we arrived.

I honestly don't remember the last time the whole Kovar family was together.  I think it was Christmas 2004 or 2005.  So this reunion was a long time coming... and three people had to meet the "Belgium family".

It was a special afternoon when we finally got together.  We all went to Andy's Dad's house.  It was a beautiful day, so we spent some time outside.  Uncle Kris even took almost all of the boys for a hike in the ravine behind the house.

I will let the pictures do the talking...