Auncie

When Phil and Nancy Payne offered for Nate, Jonathan, and me to stay with them until we got settled out in Seattle, we were excited but slightly nervous. We REALLY liked them, and we wanted them to continue liking us! I still remember meeting them right after Nate and I got engaged, and how much I loved them already, how I already felt like a part of their family. We know how chaotic, loud, and messy a house can get with a two year old boy. They were so generous and sweet in opening their home to us, but did they know what they were getting into by offering for us to live with them? 

What we didn't realize was that we were getting an amazing opportunity to deepen our relationship with them.  Nevermind that they have been nothing but gracious and generous since we have arrived, but the investment they have given to Jonathan has been priceless. Jonathan has grown so attached to Aunt Nancy, who he has dubbed "Auncie" (Aunt and Nancy smooshed together). He wakes up saying Auncie, when we come home from errands/park/gym he starts shouting for Auncie, and this weekend he has cried a few times because Auncie and Uncle Phil are gone for the weekend.  Jonathan has grown to have many favorites out here, but right now Auncie is his favorite playmate.

It has also been pretty cool for Jonathan is meet his cousin Miriam. Although he doesn't play/interact with her as much as he does with Auncie (which is probably a good thing considering how active and physical Jonathan can get when he plays), I'm looking forward to future playdates. Nate has such a wonderful history of growing up with cousins, playing at Mt.Hermon with them, and still having friendships with them after all these years. We hope Jonathan grows to have a similar history with his cousins.