Uncle Don

There are 3 friends in our lives who Jon and I have each known and loved for 20 years+. When we had kids, they earned the title of "Aunt" and "Uncle," not having joined our family by blood or marriage but because we wanted to honor the years of special friendships that began in our youths, continued into adulthood, and will hopefully continue to grow into meaningful relationships as we keep navigating our lives.

Those choices were easily inspired and motivated by a lifelong friend of my parents, Uncle Don. The relationship between Uncle Don and my parents began long before I was born and continues to this day. (I believe 44 years was the quote I heard.) My dad Don and Uncle Don consider each other brothers, and I hope one day, I too have these meaningful relationships with my chosen family as well.

Uncle Don made it to visit the new compound in Driftwood, and several members of the Texas family were able to join also to spend time together. It was great to spend time with Aunt Sandi, Aunt Syssa, and Joey at Nana and Zayde's house. We spent a lot of our afternoon in their pool. (Spencer was napping.)



I may have discouraged my 2 older kids from playing too physically with Uncle Don or climbing on his body because of the struggles of recent years with chemotherapy, etc. They may not have listened. Uncle Don may have been too nice to say 'No.'

Aunt Sandi tried to intervene. It didn't work. Uncle Don was nice again.

Gabi and Aunt Sandi helped make the cookie dough. The children helped cut out letters and shapes. Aunt Sandi baked them (while we were distracted in the pool). And it was time for decorating!

(Daddy came over after work JUST in time for yummies.)

The display was made to honor all Austin cousins and CNZ (Camp Nana/Zayde) with a Texas theme. After all the decorating was completed, it was finally time to EAT!


My budding musician Ethan just loves all "Zayde songs," and once he learned that Uncle Don would also appreciate hearing them, he immediately began preparing his concert. He was so proud to sing for his receptive audience, and of course "If I Had a Hammer" (by Peter, Paul, and Mary) and "Taxi" (by Harry Chapin) are in every preschooler's repertoire.

"If I Had a Hammer"

"Taxi"

Gabi got a special book-reader before bedtime.

After spending our very first night in Driftwood, we snuck in another visit to the pool before coming back to Austin. Because we could.