Koen and kid stories

Before Uncle Koen left to head home to Belgium, we attempted a picture with all of the kids. 

Attempted. 

Key word.

Hannah was having NONE OF IT. 

Maybe she knew Uncle Koen was leaving...

Either way, I think Koen was surprised on how many tries it takes to get a decent picture when eight little people are involved and even then, sometimes you still don't get a decent picture :)  

In the weeks following Ann's death I've been reminded of the resiliency of kids.  They say things that make so much sense and brings me peace, and sometimes tears, too.  

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The first story occurred while celebrating Christmas...

We were in the bathroom at Brent's parent's house today and he's pulling up his undies & jeans when he randomly asks "is Aunt Ann is still sick?" I told him "yes, but hopefully she is getting better because she's been taking a lot of medicine." He said, "did she have to have shots?" "Yep, lots of shots." He grimaced and said "I'm going to pray for her right now." So in the middle of pulling on his pants he closes his eyes, clenches his little fists and says "dear God, please make Aunt Ann not sick anymore and not have any more shots."

I emailed that story to Ann on December 23rd and this was her response:

"Oh i want to give him a big hug soooooo bad right now!

Lov ya

Ann"

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While driving through the post office drop-off Lucas asked who the cards were for.  I told him they were thank you notes for people who did nice things when Ann died.  At the sound of hearing that Hannah speaks up and says,"Where's Ducky?"  This girl loves that duck and to me, that means she loves Aunt Ann and Uncle Koen.

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There is a picture of Ann and Koen on our refrigerator.  It's been there months, maybe a year.  Today, Hannah noticed it and said, "KOEN! KOEN!"

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Randomly, in the car, "When we get to heaven we get to give hugs and kisses to Aunt Ann and all of our Great Pa's."

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