new and improved...

... our family, that is. Not the blog. The blog is the same.

That's right, we've had quite a change over here. It's a big change, a wonderful change. A change that was approached with much thoughtfulness, a little anxiousness, and a lot of scurrying around to prepare for. Which is why this blog hasn't been updated in a few months. Uploading pictures was way, way on the back burner (to say the least). But, I do love this little record of our family and so as we settle into a new normal, I'm easing back into writing a little bit of it down.

The big news is that my Aunt Cynthia (my father's sister) and her daughter, Claire (5.5 yrs old), have moved in with us. They moved from Alabama and got here just a few days before Christmas. They are both very dear to us and I must say, the transition has gone really smoothly thus far. Though the circumstances surrounding the move are not at all what any of us would wish for, we are so very thankful that they are here.

Claire and Adeline are enjoying each other very much. The amount of giggles in this house has quadrupled (at least!) since Claire arrived. They run around all day long squealing, giggling, jumping, and spinning, concocting various story-lines along the way. They share a room... the "Girl's Room"... which has been a big hit. Claire made a card for Adeline at school on Friday that says:

To: Addie
From: Claire
I love you for good.

How's that for adorable?

This is real life, though. And the kids are not robots. We have our moments of disagreements, hurt feelings, and bickering. Hayes is pretty much left in the dust when it comes to keeping up with the girls, which he's none too happy about. But for the most part, the kids have adjusted beautifully. It is obvious that they love each other immensely, which is everything that we could hope for. School is the last big hurtle for Claire. She's having a little trouble feeling at home at her new school, but with a little time I know she'll do great.

So there it is... the new, improved Shelton household. Two persons bigger, more full love than ever.